← Back to all stops

Palapala Hoʻomau Church

Mile 41, Hwy 31 (Kīpahulu)

A small mid-1800s stone church on the back side of Maui, past ʻOheʻo in Kīpahulu, best known as the burial place of aviator Charles Lindbergh. It's a quiet, reflective stop — and a working church with a private cemetery, so it suits those staying in Hāna more than a rushed day trip.

⏱ About 15 min at stop 🚗 165 min from Pāʻia ✓ Free to access

At a glance

What you'll see: A historic church and grave — A simple whitewashed church built of coral lime and lava rock, with a small cemetery under java plum trees and a quiet ocean view. Charles Lindbergh is buried here.
Access & cost: Free; donations welcomed — There's no admission, though donations help maintain the church and grounds. It sits off Highway 31 past ʻOheʻo, toward Kaupō.
Please respect: Active church and cemetery — This is still a functioning church with a private graveyard. Keep your visit quiet, stay on the open paths, and don't disturb services or graves.
Time needed: About 15 minutes — Enough to walk the grounds, see the grave, and take in the view. There are no restrooms here.

About Palapala Hoʻomau Church

Palapala Hoʻomau Church stands on a point above the ocean in Kīpahulu, on the back side of Maui past ʻOheʻo Gulch as the highway heads toward Kaupō. Built by missionaries in the mid-1800s from coral lime and lava rock, it's a small, plain structure in the New England meeting-house style, set quietly among trees.

Most visitors come because of who is buried here. Charles Lindbergh, the aviator, spent his final years in Hāna and chose to be laid to rest in the church's cemetery. His simple grave sits among those of local Hawaiian families and plantation-era workers, under the shade of java plum trees with the sea beyond.

It's a reflective place rather than a sightseeing attraction, and it rewards a slow, respectful visit. Because it's well past Hāna on a remote stretch of road, it fits best into the plans of people staying a few nights in the area, who aren't racing daylight to get back.

Good to know

There are no restrooms, and the church is still in use. Visit quietly, don't enter during services, and be mindful that the cemetery is private — many of those buried here are members of local families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Palapala Hoʻomau Church worth visiting?
For travelers interested in history or paying respects at Charles Lindbergh's grave, it's a quiet, worthwhile stop. Because it's well past Hāna, it suits people staying in the area more than those on a tight day-trip schedule.
Where is Charles Lindbergh buried?
He's buried in the cemetery at Palapala Hoʻomau Church in Kīpahulu, on the back side of Maui past ʻOheʻo Gulch. He spent his last years in Hāna and chose to be laid to rest here.
How much does it cost to visit?
There's no admission fee. Donations are welcomed to help maintain the historic church and its grounds.
Can you go inside the church?
It's an active church, so access can be limited and you should never disturb a service. Most visitors stay on the grounds and at the cemetery; treat the whole site respectfully and quietly.
How long should you spend at the church?
About 15 minutes is typical — enough to walk the grounds, visit the grave, and take in the ocean view. There are no restrooms on site.