Guided Tours

For the first time, Kalaupapa National Historical Park will offer public tours starting July 9, 2026. The tours will be provided twice a week, and reservations can be made beginning June 26.

The all-day hiking tours will be ranger-led and provide information about Kalaupapa history. The tours will be offered on Thursdays and Saturdays. These tours are currently the only way visitors can access the park. The number of visitors to the park remains capped at 100 per day.

“We are excited to offer visitors an opportunity to learn about and be inspired by Kalaupapa, said Superintendent Nancy Holman. “These tours will also provide valuable insights that will help the NPS and our partners shape future visitor experiences.”

Tour Safety

This tour is strenuous. Participants must be prepared to hike up to 8 miles in hot, humid conditions, including traversing the Kalaupapa Pali Trail in both directions (~3 miles one way, 1700 ft elevation change, equivalent to 20 flights of stairs).

How to Reserve

· Participants must be at least 16 years old.

· Reservation tickets are $20 per person with a $1 non-refundable ticket fee for each reservation.

· Reservations must be completed at least 24 hours in advance.

Visitor permits from the Hawaii Department of Health are still required to visit the park. Visitor permits will be issued to the National Park Service to cover tour participants; no action is needed by the tour participant to meet this requirement.

 

Left image
The strenuous Pali Trail; one of the two ways to enter Kalaupapa National Historical Park.
Credit: Credit: NPS Photo/K. Sedlacek

Right image
Papaloa Cemeteduring tour of settlement, this is one of the cemetery to honor patients who have passed.
Credit: NPS Photo/Dewitt Jones