The National Park Service has begun ranger-led public hiking tours at Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai, drawing criticism from residents and a Maui County Council member who say they were not consulted beforehand. Tours run Thursdays and Saturdays, cost $20, and visitation remains capped at 100 people per day.
- NPS launched ranger-led tours at Kalaupapa after the previous private tour operator died in May, making these the only way visitors can currently access the park.
- Tours are offered Thursdays and Saturdays, require reservations 24 hours in advance, cost $20, and allow up to 100 visitors per day.
- Maui County Council Member Keani Rawlins-Fernandez and other Molokai residents are protesting the lack of community consultation before tours began.
- Key concerns include the impact of increased visitation on the small, rural island of ~7,400 residents and competition for limited small-aircraft flight seats.
- The NPS says current tours provide insights that will help shape future visitor experiences, suggesting potential expansion down the road.
Source: Maui News
Share this article
