Hurricane Lala Devastates Nāʻālehu Cemetery, Unearthing Graves
Hurricane Lala caused significant destruction in Nāʻālehu Cemetery on Hawaii Island, unearthing graves, scattering headstones, caskets, and human remains due to mudslides and debris from Kaʻalaiki Road.
Nashville, TN, August 19, 2026 —
Nāʻālehu, Hawaii Island – The coastal community of Nāʻālehu on Hawaii Island is grappling with the profound destruction wrought by Hurricane Lala, which has severely impacted the historic Nāʻālehu Cemetery.
The hurricane’s intense winds and heavy rainfall triggered significant mudslides and a deluge of debris originating from Kaʻalaiki Road. This resulted in the unearthing of graves within the cemetery. Headstones, caskets, and human remains have been scattered across the grounds, a grim testament to the storm’s fury.
Nāʻālehu Cemetery is a significant landmark on Hawaii Island, holding historical and cultural importance for the local community. The damage sustained by the cemetery has caused distress and calls for extensive recovery and restoration efforts.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and details regarding the timeline for cleanup and repair operations are not yet available. The contractor responsible for the debris flow and the permit status for any subsequent restoration work have not been provided.
Story summarized from the original created by Dillon Ancheta on www.wsmv.com, see more information here.
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