Kalawao County, Hawaii Genealogy

Guide to Kalawao County, Hawaii ancestry, family history, and genealogy birth records, marriage records, death records, census records, family history, and military records.

Historical Facts

 * Parent County: created in 1905 from Maui County.
 * County seat: Kalaupapa
 * Neighboring Island: Maui

The county is on the Kalaupapa Peninsula, on the north coast of the island of Moloka'i. The small peninsula of Kalaupapa is isolated from the rest of Moloka'i by sea cliffs over a quarter-mile high — the only land access is a mule trail.

Kalawao County is a separate county from the rest of Moloka'i, which is part of Maui County. Maui County does not claim jurisdiction over the three villages of Kalaupapa, Kalawao, and Waikolu. Some maps, however, do not show Kalawao as a separate county.

The county is coextensive with the Kalaupapa National Historical Park, and encompasses the Kalaupapa Settlement where the Kingdom of Hawaii, the territory, and the state once exiled persons suffering from leprosy (Hansen's disease) beginning in the 1860s. The quarantine policy was lifted in 1969, after the disease became treatable on an outpatient basis and could be rendered non-contagious. However, many of the resident patients chose to remain, and the state has promised they can stay there for the rest of their lives. No new patients or other permanent residents are admitted.

Record Loss
There is no known history of courthouse disasters in this county.

Census

 * 1890
 * 1900
 * 1910
 * 1920
 * 1930

Obituaries

 * 1980-present - at FamilySearch— index and images

Probate

 * 1822 – 1962 Hawaii Wills and Probate Records 1822-1962 at Ancestry.com — index and images $

Public Records
State Health Department has marriage, death, birth, wills, probate and land records. Kalawao does not have a county government. The only law enforcement is a local resident selected by the State Department of Health, which administers the county.

Marriage

 * 1803-1940 - Hawaii, United States Marriages at FindMyPast — index $

Websites

 * USGenWeb project. May have maps, name indexes, history or other information for this county. Select the state, then the county.
 * FamilySearch Catalog. Enter United States, Hawaii, Kalamao as Place.
 * Kalawao County, Hawaii Genealogy and Family History (Linkpendium)

Places
Unincorporated Communities: Kalauppa | Kalawao | Waikolu