Charles Lindbergh’s Gravesite at Palapala Ho’omau Church, Kipahulu, Maui

Photo Credit Public Domain Charles Lindbergh 

Charles Lindbergh’s Gravesite at Palapala Ho’omau Church, Kipahulu, Maui

Charles Lindbergh’s gravesite is nestled just past Hana on the picturesque slopes of Kipahulu, Maui where the Palapala Ho’omau Church stands. The site marks the final chapter of a pioneering aviator’s life.

Summary

• Charles Lindbergh’s Final Years
  • Resided in Kipahulu, Maui, following a cancer diagnosis in 1974.
  • Deceased on August 26, 1974, at the age of 72.
• Palapala Ho’omau Church & Burial
  • A historic Congregational church constructed in 1857, restored in 1964 by Lindbergh’s associate, Samuel F. Pryor Jr.
  • Lindbergh was actively involved in the restoration process and elected to be interred there.
  • He designed his own grave and coffin in a traditional Hawaiian style.
  • The grave is marked by a modest stone inscribed with his name, birth/death years, and a Bible verse from Psalm 139:9.
• Location & Visiting Information
  • Situated ten+ miles south of Hana, beyond the 41-mile marker on Highway 31.
  • Accessible by turning left at the Maui Stables sign and following the road to the church.
  • Constructed from limestone coral, the church provides a tranquil setting with impressive coastal views.
  • The interior includes a distinctive window painting of a Polynesian Christ.
• Visitor Considerations
  • Visitors are advised to respect the land and the local community that actively utilizes the church.
  • Recognized as an important cultural and historical site.
• Want to learn more about Charles Lindbergh and his connection with the Humpback Whale? Please check out this Post – Charles Lindbergh and the Humpback Whale

The Church

This Congregational church, established in 1864 and restored in 1964 by Samuel F. Pryor Jr., became a place of reverence for Lindbergh. The aviator actively participated in the church’s restoration alongside Pryor, and together, they designated the small cemetery they cleared as their chosen burial site.

Lindbergh, Hana – Kipahulu, Maui

Charles Lindbergh, found solace and peace in his last years on Maui, residing in a small, rustic seaside home overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, in 1972, Lindbergh’s life took a somber turn when he was diagnosed with cancer.

Lindbergh Public Domain

Enduring a series of radiation treatments, Lindbergh spent months in Maui, attempting to regain his strength. However, his health continued to decline, leading to a 26-day stay at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York with little improvement. Realizing that the treatments could not save him, Lindbergh, accompanied by his wife Anne, made a poignant return to Kipahulu.

Death & Burial

They flew to Honolulu on August 17, 1974, and then traveled to Maui by a small plane. Lindbergh passed away a week later on August 26, 1974, at the age of 72.

Lindbergh had faced his mortality by taking a hands-on approach to his final resting place. He had sketched a simple design for the grave and his coffin and opted for a burial in the “traditional Hawaiian style.” This choice reflected his deep connection to the island of Maui and its cultural heritage.

The burial was a swift and humble affair, taking place eight hours after his passing. Clad in “simple work clothes,” he was interred in a eucalyptus casket. His funeral service reflected his unique personality by incorporating readings from the Bible and Native American poetry. On the evening of August 26, President Gerald Ford paid tribute to Lindbergh, acknowledging the indelible mark the “Lone Eagle” left on the world.

A simple stone now marks Lindbergh’s resting place, inscribed with the words “Charles A. Lindbergh Born Michigan 1902 Died Maui 1974.” An epitaph, quoting Psalm 139:9, adorns the stone: “If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea… C.A.L.”

map_route_hana_lindbergh_grave_lost_on_lanai_maui_hawaii

Want to learn more about Charles Lindbergh and his connection with the Humpback Whale? Please check out this Post – Charles Lindbergh and the Humpback Whale

Sources:

1. “Charles Lindbergh.” National Aviation Hall of Fame. [Link](https://www.nationalaviation.org/our-enshrinees/lindbergh-charles/)
2. “Palapala Ho’omau Church Cemetery.” Find A Grave. [Link](https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2230326/palapala-ho_omau-church-cemetery)
3. Wikipedia – Charles Lindbergh. [Link]( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Lindbergh)

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