Palapala church, (founded in 1864), and its tiny cemetery where Charles Lindbergh is buried, is a popular stop on the road to Hana. People, especially those old enough to remember the historic flight of the ”Lone Eagle”, are drawn here like pilgrims.
Serene Kipahulu
The Kipahulu area is incredibly beautiful, peaceful and tranquil. It is quite possibly the most remote spot on the island and populated with the fewest people. Being here, even Hana seems to be a busy place. Kipahulu is ideally located on the side of the mountain where it gets just enough rain to stay green and lush, but experiences more sun than areas closer Hana and along the north coast. To the south, beyond Kipahulu towards Kaupo, the land becomes dry and opens up into wide open grazing fields. Kipahulu is the last green lush area, just before the Tedeschi Winery. It’s a great place to stop for a moment to rest in quiet reflection and take in the views.
Charles Lindbergh Grave
The dramatic coastline and the serene setting of Palapala Ho’omau Church makes it a perfect location for quiet meditation and reflection. The church is the first building to meet the sunrise on Maui and has only a few grave sites, including Charles Lindbergh’s. The Palapala Ho’omau Church welcomes all to come and visit but asks that you don’t disturb any of the flowers and gifts left at the gravesites and that you treat the entire grounds with respect. Palapala church was built in 1857 of limestone coral by some of the first christian missionaries to the island. Back then there were a lot more Hawaiian’s living in and around this area, whereas now only a few families and farmers remain.
Like us, Lindbergh loved this part of Maui. He loved it so much that he wanted to, “breathe the sweet flowery air of Hana”, as his final breath. He got his wish and from his deathbed in New York City, he traveled out to Hana, back to his home in Kipahulu to fulfill his final desire.
A visit to Charles Lindbergh Grave at Palapala takes you back to a nostalgic time of aviation firsts and celebrating the heros of World Wars. Our tour guides make sure that the sacred places visited on our Road to Hana tour, Hawaiian, Japanese and Christian alike, are treated with the utmost respect. Let us guide you through the Hana that Lindbergh loved and wanted to preserve for all time.
