This is part of a series where we visit America’s beautiful National Parks and Monuments.
Kalaupapa peninsula from the top of the sea cliffs. Photo.
The history of this park is really interesting. When Hansen’s disease (leprosy) was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands, King Kamehameha V banished all afflicted to the isolated Kalaupapa peninsula on the north shore of Molokai. This is a rugged and unforgiving place. There are three ways to get to the peninsula. You can fly in on a chartered tour, you can hike in or you can ride a mule as part of an organized tour.
My wife had visited Molokai when she was in college and some of the people in her group hiked down the 1700 vertical feet from the trail head to Kalaupapa. This is a winding path with lots of uneven steps and tight turns. We knew better than to try to walk down, tour the park and then climb back up.
Our destination the next day on the tour.
We really wanted to visit the park so we signed up for the Mule ride and tour. You pretty much have no choice but to stay on Molokai the day before and the night after the tour. The ferry schedule from Maui just doesn’t work for a one day trip.
Me at the overlook. Checkout the sea cliffs over my shoulder.Cliffs on the north shore of Molokai
Meet the Dan behind Dan330. He started a Pinterest account in December 2011 while off on a leave from his day job as a captain on an Airbus A330. While traveling the world, Dan practiced his longtime hobby of photography and developed his eye for natural beauty and appreciation of great photography.
Continuing his love of exploration and great pictures, Dan added Pinterest to his daily routine; especially during the long Minnesota winters. His eye for great photography was recognized by the Pinterest community and in just under one year, Dan330 had attracted over one million followers.
Dan and his wife Laurie have three children, seven grandchildren and two grand puppies.
When not pinning, Dan loves to travel and participate in just about any outdoor activity. There are a few exceptions to this, but to find out what they are you have to go to the Dan330 board dedicated to “Things he won’t do”.
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