Hurricane Lala Unearths Graves, Caskets at Na‘alehu Cemetery, Hawaii

Hurricane Lala devastated Na‘alehu on Hawaii Island, washing out roads to the cemetery and leaving a field of mud, debris, and dislodged remains at the Na‘alehu Cemetery. Residents describe headstones and graves scattered or washed away, with caskets and bones exposed and the air thick with the odor of the unearth ed dead as families confront the scope of the damage. The destruction extended beyond the graveyard, submerging nearby buildings and infrastructure, including a bakery, and burying roads under several feet of mud while utility poles and access routes were left unstable. Officials and locals urged caution and respect for those interred, emphasizing the community’s need to proceed carefully with locating and reburying loved ones. Personal stories highlight the emotional toll as families gather at the site to check on graves and mourn, including a mother hoping to find her son’s resting place. Recovery and reburial will be a long, painful process, with broader needs for aid and safe access as residents cope with loss and displacement.