Homelani Memorial Park
Photo added by Charles Chester

Homelani Memorial Park

Also known as Halai Hill Cemetery , Homelani Cemetery

Hilo, Hawaii County, Hawaii, USA

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In 1870, the people of the First Foreign Church in Hilo decided it was important to own a burial place for the foreign population of Hilo. They found a desirable location situated on Ponahawai and contacted the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Pitman. Through various correspondence and arrangements, the church secured possession of the land on April 25, 1871.



The name "Halai Hill Cemetery" was given to their new found place.The first interment was of Arthur Lyman, the two-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Lyman. The young infant drowned in the bath tub, August 5, 1871. There were four other interments recorded in 1871, which were removals from other burial grounds.



The name Homelani (meaning "Heavenly Home" in Hawaiian) was officially adopted by the Trustees in 1923. On her dying bed in 1884, the wife of the former Governor Kipi whispered "Homelani" (Heavenly Home) when asked where she would like to be buried. She was referring to the Halai Hill Cemetery. From then on, the cemetery was popularly known as "Homelani," thus influencing the name change.



In 1870, the people of the First Foreign Church in Hilo decided it was important to own a burial place for the foreign population of Hilo. They found a desirable location situated on Ponahawai and contacted the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Pitman. Through various correspondence and arrangements, the church secured possession of the land on April 25, 1871.



The name "Halai Hill Cemetery" was given to their new found place.The first interment was of Arthur Lyman, the two-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. R. Lyman. The young infant drowned in the bath tub, August 5, 1871. There were four other interments recorded in 1871, which were removals from other burial grounds.



The name Homelani (meaning "Heavenly Home" in Hawaiian) was officially adopted by the Trustees in 1923. On her dying bed in 1884, the wife of the former Governor Kipi whispered "Homelani" (Heavenly Home) when asked where she would like to be buried. She was referring to the Halai Hill Cemetery. From then on, the cemetery was popularly known as "Homelani," thus influencing the name change.



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  • Added: 1 Jan 2000
  • Find a Grave Cemetery ID: 103858