The land route to Kalaupapa remains closed on Molokai. This means that hikers and mule riders no longer have access to where Saint Damien lived and worked. Heavy rains in April created a mudslide and damaged a foot bridge. Repair work is expected to begin in October and will take 4-5 weeks to complete.
If you want to include Kalaupapa on your Hawaii itinerary this fall, you have two fly-in options available.
The least expensive is from topside Molokai where $249 buys a round-trip, tour and permit. Lunch is not provided so bring your own food.
You can also fly from Honolulu to Kalaupapa for $389 round-trip. Included with the ground tour and permit is a courtesy transfer from your Waikiki hotel and lunch.
Snack Bar and Bookstore Remain Open at Kalaupapa.
Bring small bills if you’d like to buy anything at the settlement since credit cards are not accepted. On our visit in October we purchased a t-shirt and hat.
How to Book: Call Makani Kai Air Charters at 1-877-255-8532 or 808-834-5813 from Oahu.
Tell them you’re interested in the Mule Ride Special and coupon code 1209-M.U.L.E. Visa, Mastercard and American Express is accepted. Be prepared to give weight of each passenger, cell phone number, the hotel you’re staying at the night before, the desired tour date and one alternate.
What to do if you’re planning a trip to Molokai after November.
Read trail updates on Molokai Mule Rides. The trail will open to hikers first. It will take longer before the mule rides are back since they’ll need retraining on the trail and conditioning.
Tip: We also wrote about our experience in October hiking the Pali Trail and taking the Damien Tour. The experience is one we’ll always remember.
Rob (1 year ago)
Visitors Policy: You must be at least 16 years of age and be invited by a resident or have an advanced reservation with Damien Tours.
Sandy (1 year ago)
Are children permitted?
manoa (1 year ago)
Serene seascapes. Unspoiled coastlines. Untamed wilderness. Visit Molokai and travel back to a timeless place. This is an island that stays true to its Hawaiian traditions, tucked away from the hustle of the outside world. Where no building is taller than a coconut tree. Where there’s no traffic and no traffic lights.