Lāna’i Pays Tribute to Island’s Ancestors

June 2025 — During Memorial Day weekend, Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center honored the island's ancestors. Through a weekend of bouquet making and a cemetery clean-up and graveside tribute, the island’s residents united to pay respect to those who helped shape the community.

1,500 Handmade Bouquets Created for Memorial Day

On Friday, May 23, more than 1,000 handmade floral bouquets were carefully crafted by local volunteers at Lānaʻi Culture & Heritage Center’s bouquet-making event. These arrangements were prepared in anticipation of Memorial Day to adorn every marked grave.

Lānaʻi is home to over 1,000 graves including those of immigrants from around the world who came to the island during the pineapple plantation era seeking a better life. With a population just over 3,000, the collective effort to honor every resting place demonstrated the deep aloha and respect shared throughout the community.

Memorial Day Cemetery Clean-Up & Tribute

On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, island residents gathered at the Lānaʻi Cemetery to participate in a cemetery clean-up followed by the placement of the handmade bouquets. Volunteers worked together to tidy the grounds and decorate each grave, ensuring a meaningful and heartfelt tribute to the island’s ancestors.

This annual tradition not only honors those who have passed but also reinforces the importance of mālama and kuleana within the community.

These initiatives were featured on Hawaii Public Radio, Maui Now and KITV.