  Activities |
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Kalaupapa Cultural Tour
The settlement of Kalaupapa is on the West side of the nearly flat, ten-square-mile (25.9 sq km) Makanalua Peninsula which juts into the Pacific below the world's highest sea cliffs.A place of stunning beauty, it's been blessed by nature's grandeur, and cursed by humanity's ignorance and fear. The peninsula is accessible only by sea, by air or via a trail from "top side" Molokai, which descends 1,700 feet of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Located on the central northern coast of the island of Molokai, some of the more remote areas of this national historical park include rare native habitat for several endangered endemic Hawaiian plants and animals. The boundless beauty you will experience as you traverse the 2.9 mile trail, with 26 switchbacks, leaves most folks absolutely speechless. Upon arriving in Kalaupapa, you'll be met by your Damien Tours guide and for the next few hours you'll experience one of Hawaii's most remarkable tours, in a community hidden from the world for so many years. You will learn about the leper colony, its people, incredible tales of struggle and human suffering, along with stories of courage and love.  |
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Pictures and data courtesy of Molokai Mule Ride & Captain Roger |
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 You'll see the grave site of Father Damien, the heroic Belgium Priest who loved and served this colony of outcasts. Visit St. Philomena Church, where Damien preached to his banished parishioners. Enjoy your lunch, (included with the tour) at Judd Park on the scenic Kalawao side, overlooking sea cliffs and waterfalls, dramatic ocean rock formations and crashing surf.  Guided Hikes Hike down & fly up (private group charters only or alternative arrangement with Clare Mawae): (For those who are physically fit) Be guided down & experience the awesome view of our Kalaupapa trail to the Leper Colony. There, you will take the unforgettable DAMIEN TOUR. You will be glad to fly up, it’s another way to excite you as you fly over Molokai spectacular sea cliffs. The hike is catered for those that are advanced physically active. The hike does have stress on the knees and calves going down the trail . The age limit is a minimum of 16yrs old. Youth will be ID’d at the beginning of the tour. Please have youth from 16-21yrs bring proof of age. Damien Tours will turn those that are under 16 yrs away. There are NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE. The Damien Tour is done in a rickety old school bus with no air conditioning except for the open windows. The fly up is done in a 9 pax plane 402 Cessna but can usually only accommodate up to 6-8 pax depending on the body weights. The flight is about 5 mins with spectacular views of the sea cliffs. For this tour body weights must be given. Mandatory hiking/walking shoes are needed. Backpack and sunscreen recommended Please make sure that hikers are physically fit and know that the hike might be at a fast pace. Duration of hike ranges from 1hr - 1 hr30mins Duration of Damien Tour is 3-4 hrs. Lunch stop off is at about 12.00pm Guided Hike Day trip with the ferry-This trip has been postponed until further notice...Please still call as we have alternatives for the same price as this trip but an overnight instead. Information as above but depart Lahaina Harbor at 7.15am. Must be in excellent physical condition as this is a fast paced hike down the trail with a time limit of 1 hr 30 mins. Call Clare for the special Pilgrimage Hikes for those wanting to take the spiritual and historical tour of the trail going into Kalaupapa. Scenic Air tours to Kalaupapa - Molokai only (other islands will be coming soon) We are a local company that is now flying on Molokai.
Kalaupapa Day Tour The tour is the same as above with the exception of your own personalized guide for the whole day. Instead of flying up experience the hike and with time permitting finish off the day at Purdy’s Macadamia Nut Farm with mouth watering natural macadamia nuts. Tour departs Kaunakakai Harbor at 9.00am and returns at 3.30pm or for the day trips the ferry leaves Lahaina Harbor, Maui at 7.15pm and returns to Lahaina at 6.00pm Hike on your own Damien Tour only The hike takes anywhere from
45 minutes to 2 hours depending on your fitness level. The trail consists
of 26 switchbacks down the cliff that the hikers, workers and mules
take daily. One should start hiking by 7.45am or earlier depending on
fitness. When arriving at switchback 26 it will take approx 20-30 minutes
to walk to the open grass area. Please do not enter the settlement BUT
WAIT in the open area for the tour bus to arrive. The bus usually arrives
by 9.45am. Please make your reservations for the Damien tour prior to hiking the trail. Fly In and Out The commuter airlines of Paragon
Air, Pacific Wings, Molokai Air Shuttle, and Airlinks offer transportation
to Kalaupapa from the Molokai airport. Of course, we will be
pleased to make these arrangements for you. Ride a World Famous Mule In the cool Molokai uplands, a pack of mules prepare for the day's ride down to the worlds most unique and formerly forbidden village of Kalaupapa. The journey begins from the Mule Barn with a mule guide briefing. You'll learn your mule's name and the Mule Skinners (guides) will teach you how to ride and control the mules. No worries, these mules are personally trained by company owner Buzzy Sproat. Well known in the Hawaii Rodeo circuit, Buzzy is also considered one of Hawaii's foremost experts on Mules. 
Kalaupapa, is truly a special place in Hawaii, and like no other you
will ever experience.The Kalaupapa National Historical Park & Guided Mule Tour is one that even seasoned travelers cherish, as one of their most memorable Hawaii experiences. If you're planning a trip to the islands soon, don't miss this opportunity of a lifetime. Book your adventure today. If there is no availabilty in our reservations, just call or email us and we will see what we can open up. ALL TOURS Monday through Saturday only The Park is NOT open Sunday. AVAILABLE NOW are the "I Hiked the Trail Shirts"
Photos coming soon. |
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