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Kalaupapa Airport (LUP) is a small, remote airfield located on the Kalaupapa Peninsula on the northern coast of Molokai, Hawaii. It serves the isolated Kalaupapa settlement, historically established as a quarantine colony for Hansen's disease patients and now home to a small number of resident patients and National Historical Park staff. The airport is notable for its short runway and dramatic setting beneath some of the world's tallest sea cliffs, offering one of Hawaii's most scenic and restricted flight experiences.
💡 Local Tip
Book the earliest morning flight if possible—afternoon clouds frequently roll in around the cliffs and can delay or divert flights, and the morning light offers the most spectacular views of the surrounding sea cliffs during landing.
🚖 Getting There
Transportation beyond the airport is very limited because Kalaupapa has no rental car agencies; visitors typically arrange guided tours in advance with authorized operators who provide ground transport. The settlement itself is small enough that most destinations are within walking distance once you arrive. If you are connecting onward to other parts of Molokai, you will need to plan a mule ride down the sea cliffs or a small charter flight, as no roads connect the peninsula to the rest of the island.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can tourists fly into Kalaupapa Airport?
A: Visitors can fly in but must first obtain a permit from the Hawaii Department of Health. Without a permit, access to the Kalaupapa settlement is restricted, and the airline will not sell tickets to unauthorized visitors.
Q: What airlines serve Kalaupapa Airport?
A: The airport is primarily served by Makani Kai Air, which operates small commuter aircraft from Honolulu and other Hawaiian islands on a scheduled basis.
Q: How short is the runway at Kalaupapa?
A: The single runway is approximately 3,200 feet long, which is one of the shortest runways used by scheduled commercial aircraft in Hawaii, requiring skilled piloting on approach.
Q: Why is access to Kalaupapa restricted?
A: Kalaupapa remains home to a small community of Hansen's disease patients who chose to stay after the isolation laws were lifted, and their privacy is protected by state regulations requiring visitor permits.
AI-generated content · Generated Jun 26, 2026 · MiniMax-M3