History & Staff

Our History

Founded in 1844, Oahu Cemetery is Hawaii’s oldest public cemetery. The site, originally named Nuuanu Cemetery,was established at the height of the whaling era to meet the need for a public burial ground for Honolulu’s rapidly growing foreign population. The original 4.5 acre site in lower Nuuanu Valley was chosen because of its proximity to the harbor, and because frequent rains in the valley made the soil easy to dig and irrigate. It would be outside the city limits, yet would be an easy carriage ride from most homes in town. Today, Oahu Cemetery’s 18 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds with over 30,000 burials contains the most abundant collection of 19th Century grave art in Hawaii.  In 1906, Oahu Cemetery, installed the first crematory in the State of Hawaii.  In 2013, Oahu Mortuary was created on the grounds of Oahu Cemetery- to guide, direct and assist Oahu's families and its visitors, with funeral and cremation services, during one of the hardest times of their lives. In 2015, a brand new, state of the art crematory facility was constructed. The crematory is designed to work in conjunction with the mortuary to provide personalized services for final disposition. For more  detailed information, please discuss with your funeral director.