Maui County Restricts Access to Kapaʻakea Cemetery After Storm Damage

Significant ground settlement across burial plots prompts temporary closure for repairs

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:43am

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting the Kapaʻakea Cemetery shrouded in heavy fog or mist, with the outlines of headstones and monuments barely visible, conveying the solemn, sacred nature of the site and the power of the natural elements that have impacted it.The Kapaʻakea Cemetery on Molokai, an important cultural site for local families, remains closed to the public as the county works to repair damage from recent severe storms.Kaunakakai Today

The County of Maui Department of Public Works has restricted general public access to Kapaʻakea Cemetery in Kaunakakai following substantial damage from recent Kona low storms. Heavy rains caused significant ground settlement across many burial plots, prompting the county to close the cemetery to the public while recovery efforts are underway.

Why it matters

Kapaʻakea Cemetery is an important cultural site for Molokai families, who have traditionally cared for and maintained their own burial plots. The county's decision to restrict access aims to respect families and allow for necessary repairs, while also supporting those unable to complete the work themselves.

The details

Recent heavy rains caused substantial ground settlement across many burial plots at Kapaʻakea Cemetery, with similar but lesser impacts observed at the Molokai Veterans Cemetery. Out of respect for families, the general public is asked not to visit Kapaʻakea Cemetery while recovery efforts are underway. Families may still access the cemetery to tend to and repair their own burial plots, and the Department of Public Works will provide cover material to assist with repairs and support families who are unable to complete the work.

  • The damage occurred during the March 2026 Kona low storms.
  • Repair work has already begun and will resume on Monday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Richard Bissen

The Mayor of Maui County, who stated that Kapaʻakea Cemetery is an important place for Molokai families and that the county is focused on addressing the damage and supporting families.

Department of Public Works Molokai District Office

The county department managing Kapaʻakea Cemetery, which maintains burial records, access roads, and vegetation, and will be providing support and resources for families during the recovery efforts.

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What they’re saying

“'Kapaʻakea Cemetery is an important place for Molokai families. We are focused on addressing the damage and supporting families as work moves forward. Mahalo to our Molokai community for its patience and understanding during this time.'”

— Richard Bissen, Mayor of Maui County

What’s next

The Department of Public Works crews have already begun repair work at Kapaʻakea Cemetery, which will resume on Monday, March 30, 2026. Families are encouraged to visit the cemetery as soon as possible to recover any vestments, markers, or personal items from affected sites before the county begins covering the impacted plots.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of Kapaʻakea Cemetery as a cultural site for the Molokai community, and the county's efforts to balance public access with supporting families in repairing the damage caused by the recent storms. The temporary closure and county assistance aim to respect the sanctity of the burial grounds while facilitating the necessary recovery work.