High surf is the defining hazard at Kalaupapa, with 77 recorded high-surf events making it by far the most frequent danger in the data. The park sits on a remote Molokai peninsula backed by some of the world's tallest sea cliffs, and those same cliffs funnel swells into the shoreline with little warning. Flash floods add a secondary threat, with 19 recorded events tied to the steep, rain-soaked terrain above the settlement.
Keep water-facing activities well back from the shoreline on any day with swell advisories—check the National Weather Service Honolulu surf forecast the morning of your visit, not the night before. Pack a waterproof dry bag for phones and documents, since sudden flooding can move fast down the cliff trails. If you're descending the mule trail or hiking in from the top, watch for trail drainage rushing across the path after any rain upslope.
Top recorded hazards in Hawaii
State dataFrom NOAA Storm Events (2024). Counts of recorded incidents — not all occurred at this park.
- High Surf 77
- Drought 54
- Flash Flood 19
- Flood 13
- High Wind 6
- Wildfire 4
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About Kalaupapa National Historical Park
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. Since 1866, more than 8,000 people, mostly Hawaiians, have died at Kalaupapa. Once a prison, Kalaupapa is now a refuge for the few remaining residents who are cured but were forced to live their lives in isolation.
Weather
Hawaii enjoys warm temperatures year-round, although site conditions at the park can vary depending on weather and time of year. The rainy season is in the winter with the more hot and humid days in the summer. Trade winds are fairly constant and typically blow from the northeast. Daytime temperatures range from 65–75° F in the winter to 80-90°F in the summer. Nighttime temperatures are often in the 60-70°F range.