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Perched on one of the highest sea cliffs on Earth, the overlook provides a panoramic view of the Kalaupapa Peninsula from Pālā’au State Park. The five-minute walk though woods from the parking lot to the overlook is studded with informative signs.

Accessed from the Kalaupapa Overlook, a short trail from the parking lot leads to the natural rock formation, Kauleo Nān-āhoa. Literally translated as “the penis of Nānāhoa” (a legendary character and symbol of sexuality), it’s believed the stone helps women become as fertile as the land.

Sheer cliffs form the barrier that isolates the peninsula from the rest of Moloka’i. Essentially a mule trail, the path was carved into the sheer cliffs in 1886. Today, the trail from “topside” Moloka’i to Kalaupapa is used by mule riders and hikers prepared to hug the near-perpendicular cliffs.

Formerly one of the Pacific’s most powerful beacons, the oil lamp atop this 138-ft octagonal tower was first illuminated in 1909. Three keepers’ dwellings were built nearby, but by 1966 the lighthouse no longer required nightly attention, and the last keepers departed.

A Celtic cross, erected in 1893, stands in the settlement as a memorial to the world-famous Father Damien.

Located next to the site of the first Hansen’s Disease hospital, the park is a pleasant stop-off for lunch on the Damien Tours route. The bluff provides a fabulous view overlooking Moloka’i’s sheer north shore sea cliffs.

The most stirring site on Kalaupapa is the last of several churches built on Moloka’i by Father Damien. The priest was laid to rest here, though only his right hand remains, as the rest of his body was taken back to Belgium in 1936.

On the east of the peninsula, Kalawao is the original settlement. Patients later resettled in the west of Kalaupapa, nearer the trail to “topside” and close to good anchorage.

Formed by the eruption that created the Kalaupapa peninsula, Kauhakō Crater contains a small lake. Legend has it that goddesses Pele and Hi’iaka dug for fire here and, disappointed at finding water instead, moved on to make their home on the Island of Hawai’i.

To access Kalaupapa, you must take one of the tours offered by Damien Tours. The peninsula can be reached by air, or by foot or mule along the trail from “topside” Moloka’i. Visitors must be at least 16 years old.