Religion has played an important role in the history of the Hawaiian Islands. When Christian missionaries arrived in the islands, they brought with them their belief system and the church. From small rural chapels to huge cathedrals located in the heart of Hawaii’s capital, you’ll find countless beautiful churches across the Hawaiian Islands, including this little-known gem where you’ll find plenty of charm and quite a fascinating gravesite.
Tucked away on Maui’s southern shore between the remote towns of Hana and Kaupo is the Palapala Ho’omau Congregational Church.
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Built in 1857 of limestone and coral, Palapala Ho’omau Church might be small and simple, but it’s hiding a fascinating secret.
SoCalOregonian/TripAdvisor
You see, this church is perhaps best known as the burial ground of prominent aviator, explorer, inventor, author, and activist Charles Lindbergh.
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In 1927, Lindbergh made history with his non-stop solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. But few people know that, forty-one years later, he sought privacy, beauty, and simplicity, and moved to Maui and settled in the remote area of Kipahulu.
Harris & Ewing, United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photograph Division/Wikipedia
After he was diagnosed with cancer in 1974, he chose to spend the time he had remaining on Maui and even sketched a simple design for his coffin and grave before he died later the same year.
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It is under the shade of a Java plum tree at this small, rural church where you will find the gravesites of Charles Lindbergh and his wife.
Mark Doliner/Flickr
Many tourists and aviation enthusiasts are drawn here — as if on a pilgrimage — to pay their respects to the pioneer who changed the world of aviation forever.
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In addition to being the site of this famous grave, Palapala Ho’omau Church is home to beautiful window paintings and stunning, lush surroundings. It is also known as being the first building to meet the sunrise on the island.
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Whether you’re religious or not, anyone can appreciate the marvelous architecture of this little church, especially given its unique claim to fame. Have you ever visited Palapala Ho‘omau Congregational Church? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
LuxTonnerre/Flickr
nayrb7/Flickr
SoCalOregonian/TripAdvisor
Sherry W/TripAdvisor
Harris & Ewing, United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photograph Division/Wikipedia
Mark Doliner/Flickr
Dan/Flickr
Cindy C/TripAdvisor
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Address: Hana, HI 96713, USA
