Kalaupapa Settlement Hiking Tour

Hiking the Kalaupapa Trail is a demanding and memorable experience. The route descends roughly 1,600 feet over 3 miles, navigating a series of steep, uneven switchbacks — 26 in total. The trail surface is rugged, narrow in places (averaging about three feet wide), and consistently steep, with an average grade of about 12 degrees. Hikers must be prepared for a physically strenuous journey. The hike begins with a long downhill stretch from the trailhead to the Kalaupapa Settlement. At the end of your visit, you must climb back up the same route, making the return trip significantly more challenging. The tour is ranger-led, with interpretation about the history of Kalaupapa provided throughout.