This area was a leper colony run by Father Damien and Catholic church. In order to get this secluded site, you either hike or ride on mule, then take a tour in an old school bus to visit various places. There are several patients still living at the site. that's why visitors are not allowed to roam around on her own. It is almost all day outing. It's a beautiful, beautiful area and full of sad, difficult and heroic stories. It's well worth the trip. And the mule ride is not to be missed. It's an once in a life time trip.