Hurricane Lala Damages Hawaii Cemetery, Unearthing Graves
Hurricane Lala caused significant damage to the Nāʻālehu Cemetery on Hawaii Island, unearthing graves and scattering human remains, headstones, and caskets due to floodwaters and debris.

Kansas City, MO, August 19, 2026 —
Hurricane Lala has caused extensive damage to the historic Nāʻālehu Cemetery on Hawaii Island, leading to the unearthing of graves. Floodwaters and debris associated with the storm resulted in human remains, headstones, and caskets being scattered throughout the cemetery grounds.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, but initial reports indicate a significant disruption to the cemetery. The powerful forces of the hurricane, including heavy rainfall and potential storm surge, contributed to the severe impact on the burial sites.
Nāʻālehu Cemetery is a significant historical site on Hawaii Island. The unearthing of graves raises concerns about the preservation of historical integrity and the respectful treatment of ancestral remains. Efforts to address the damage and restore the cemetery are expected to be a considerable undertaking.
Details regarding the specific timeline of the damage or any immediate response plans were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by Dillon Ancheta on www.kctv5.com, see more information here.
