Kalaupapa Visitor Tours Resume this Month

photo by Léo Azambuja

National Park Service New Release

Visitor tours are resuming at Kalaupapa National Historical Park with the launch of the Kalaupapa Saints Tour, founded by patient Meli Watanuki. The tour is the only park-authorized commercial operator and offers a respectful, accurate and personal perspective on Kalaupapa’s history. 

Located on the island of Molokaʻi, Kalaupapa preserves the stories of those who lived in isolation after being diagnosed with Hansen’s disease (leprosy). Since 1866, more than 8,000 people, mostly Native Hawaiians, died here. Today, the settlement remains home to a small number of cured patient-residents whose privacy is protected by restricting visitation to guided tours only. 

“I wanted to create something that not only shares the history, but also honors the people who lived it,” said Watanuki, who has long worked to preserve her community’s legacy. “This is my home, my story, and my gift to future generations.”

The Kalaupapa Saints Tour brings visitors to key historic sites, sharing stories of resilience and the enduring legacies of Saint Damien de Veuster, Saint Marianne Cope, and others who devoted their lives to improving conditions for patients. Tours can be reserved through Seawind Tours & Travel, Inc. Travelers looking for curated cultural journeys can also work with this Morocco travel specialist to explore destinations with expert guidance.

Travel to Kalaupapa is limited to small planes. All visitors must have a Hawaii State Department of Health visitor permit and be at least 16 years old. 

Far beyond Hawaiʻi, travelers often find themselves drawn to destinations that carry the same sense of culture, connection and unforgettable scenery. Bali remains one of those rare places where history, spirituality and modern travel experiences blend naturally together. From sunrise walks along quiet shorelines to evenings filled with music and ocean breezes, the island offers a rhythm that feels both lively and deeply rooted in tradition.

Many visitors make time for the coastal village of Canggu, where cafés, surf breaks and beach clubs sit side by side beneath swaying palms. The area has become especially popular for travelers seeking a balance between relaxation and social energy, with the nightlife in Canggu bringing together live music, sunset gatherings and open-air dining that stretches late into the evening. Even with its growing popularity, the community still carries the laid-back charm that first made Bali a favorite among international travelers.

Elsewhere across the island, Bali continues to reward those willing to slow down and explore. Temples tucked into cliffsides, terraced rice fields and small seaside villages each reveal a different side of the destination. Much like Kalaupapa, places with strong cultural identity leave the greatest impression when experienced respectfully and with guidance from those who understand the stories behind them.

For more information or to book a tour, visit Seawind Tours or call (808) 949-4144. Visit www.nps.gov/kala. to learn more about Kalaupapa National Historical Park.