“I wanted to create a tour that not only shares the history, but also honors the people who lived it. This is my home, my story, and my gift to future generations.”
— Meli Watanuki
Tour of Kalaupapa: In the Footsteps of Saints Damien and Marianne
Kalaupapa is a sacred and historic settlement nestled beneath the cliffs along the scenic coastline of Moloka'i. It is a place of deep significance, honoring the legacies of Saint Damien and Saint Marianne and remembering the thousands who were once exiled here.
The tour was inspired by the vision of and is owned by Meli Watanuki, founder of Kalaupapa Saints Tours LLC, who is dedicated to preserving the history of her home. Meli also shares her gratitude for the many friends and family who supported her in bringing this vision to life, and warmly invites you to join in experiencing Kalaupapa with respect and aloha.
Seawind Tours & Travel is the official tour company for the Kalaupapa Saints Tour. Meli selected Randy King and his Honolulu-based company, founded 37 years ago, because of their long-standing relationship with the Kalaupapa community. Randy and his team have worked with the patients for many years, including coordinating both pilgrimages to Rome for the canonizations of Saint Damien and Saint Marianne. Working closely with the National Park Service, Seawind Tours & Travel ensures the tour is managed with the utmost care, respect, and professionalism.
The tour departs Honolulu at 8:35 am on Mokulele Airlines and arrives in Kalaupapa at 9:24 am. The return flight departs Kalaupapa at 4:44 pm, arriving in Honolulu at 5:27 pm. The cost of the full-day experience is $575 per person. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged. Flights are subject to changes.
Experience a journey through history.
Discover Kalaupapa’s sacred landscape, once home to patients with Hansen’s disease. Walk in the footsteps of Saint Damien and Saint Marianne, visit historic churches, cemeteries, and community landmarks, and reflect on the stories of resilience that shaped this unique peninsula.
(as of September 8, 2025, subject to change)
Time |
Event |
|---|---|
| 8:35 AM | Depart Honolulu via Mokulele Airlines |
| 9:24 AM | Arrive in Kalaupapa |
| 10:00 AM | Welcome at Kalaupapa Airport and safety briefing |
| Morning | Kalaupapa Side: Kalaupapa Lighthouse & Peninsula, Ocean View Pavilion, Papaloa Cemetery, Historic Patient Homes and Community Churches, Visitors' Quarters, and Historic Pier. | |
| Midday | Kalawao Side: Paschoal Hall, Staff Row, Olivia Breitha's Chicken Farm, Kalaupapa Crater and Waihanau Valley views, Siloam Church, St. Philomena Church, Damien's & Brother Dutton's graves, Baldwin Home for Boys, and Leprosy Investigation Station Ruins. | |
| Enjoy lunch at Judd Park (self-catered, please bring your own lunch) | |
| Afternoon | Legacy Sites: Kalaupapa Bookstore, Mother Marianne's Gravesite & Memorial, Bishop Home Complex, St. Francis Church, and the Historic Damien Hall | 4:00 PM | Return to Kalaupapa Airport | 4:44 PM | Depart Kalaupapa via Mokulele Airlines |
| 5:27 PM | Arrive in Honolulu |
Kalaupapa Tour Includes:
Seawind Tours & Travel, Inc. accepts credit card or e-check payments.
For more information about what makes Kalaupapa special, visit:
Kalaupapa National Historical Park
Kalaupapa Tours Resume - U.S. National Park Service
725 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 301
Honolulu, HI 96813
Tel: 808.949.4144
www.seawindtours.com
info@seawindtours.com
