There is a tour to hike down the Kalaupapa trail to the Leper Colony and then fly back up rather than taking the mules. I thought this might be fun because we could get some exercise on the way down and then get back up quickly, avoid time on the same trail twice, see a different perspective from an airplane as it takes off near the Molokai cliffs.

Any thoughts?

I've done that hike down before! It is always better to be hiking downhill rather than up! Also, it's not a hard hike or anything. Does the tour include a tour of Kalaupapa itself? The colony is a very interesting place.

Yes it does include a Damian Tour also.

I've just booked that exact tour myself. I would really love to hear feedback from anyone who has taken it. We will be going on April 20. Thanks

I've been down to Kalaupapa on the mules, which was great. I hope you're starting on the trail before the mules, as the trail gets a little "wet and messy" once they've been on it... Just watch where you're stepping.

The fun part of trip was the mule ride IMHO because once you are down there it has a very sad history. Such a beautiful setting juxtaposed to such a sad history.