Because of its isolated loacation, Kalaupapa Peninsula was used as a leprosy settlement at the end of the 19th century. Belgian priest, Joseph de Veuster, who was better known as Father Damien, lived in the colony and helped building houses and churches, treating the sick and bury the dead. Eventually he succumbed to the disease himself and died at the age of 49.
The Kalaupapa Peninsula has some of the world's most strikingly beautiful scenery. There are barren mountains, narrow valleys, rain forests and lava caves. The peninsula is backed by 600 m (2000 feet) high cliffs on its southern side and surrounded by rough, shark infested waters on the other sides.
It is in the north of Molokai and nowadays it is included in the Kalaupapa National Historic Park. Access is restricted to protect the natural environment, as well as the privacy of the 100 or so mostly elderly leprosy sufferers who still live there. The only way to visit the park is by joining a guided tour. You can access the peninsula by mule, on foot or by small plane only.
The Kalaupapa Peninsula is 100 km east of Honolulu.
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