Ho'olehua in Maui County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)

Kalaupapa

State of Hawaii Historic Marker

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, Oct 2016

1. Kalaupapa Marker

Inscription. Long after most of the Island of Molokai was formed, this peninsula was created by the Volcano Kauhako. Legend credits the forming of Kauhako crater to Pele who, after striking water here moved on to Maui. In ancient times the peninsula was well inhabited and served as a haven during stormy weather for those traveling this northerly coast of Molokai by canoe. Kamehameha V set this peninsula aside as a leper settlement in 1865. The station, originally located at Kalawao in the eastern portion of the peninsula was later moved to Kalaupapa on the western coast in 1873. Father Damian came to Kalawao and served at the settlement until his death in 1889.

Erected by State of Hawaii.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.

Location. 21° 10.62′ N, 157° 0.3′ W. Marker is in Ho'olehua, Hawaii, in Maui County. It is on Kalae Highway (County Road 470) west of Kalaupapa Trail, on the right when traveling west. The marker stands at the Kalaupapa overlook in Pala'au State Park. Touch for map. Marker is at

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or near this postal address: 3101 County Road 470, Hoolehua HI 96729, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in North America,

Polynesia,

the Pacific Ocean,

North Pacific,

the Pacific Rim,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Kalaupapa Overlook (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mother Marianne Cope's Grave & Monument (approx. 1.6 miles away); The Baldwin Home (approx. 3.6 miles away); St. Philomena Church and Cemetery (approx. 3.7 miles away).

Kalaupapa Peninsula image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, Oct 2016

2. Kalaupapa Peninsula

Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 13, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 40 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 13, 2025, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.