Aloha!

The private scattering of a loved one’s cremated ashes out at sea by the indigenous people of these islands is a Hawaiian cultural tradition, which we have ultimately developed into a modern art form thus, sharing with our friends of the free world the love and respect we have for mother nature, planet earth’s mighty Pacific Ocean, and prayer for a loved one during this celebration of life whom we honor, and above all, the love for Ke Akua, almighty God.

We are proud to announce the formation of Hawai‘i’s first commercialized funeral and memorial sea burial service, which we have appropriately named, A HAWAIIAN SEA BURIAL COMPANY. Although this practice had been active among the kanaka maoli or Native Hawaiians for centuries, we are introducing for the first time to the maka‘äinana or the general public via the internet, one of Hawai‘i’s most cherished traditions – the private scattering of a loved one's cremated ashes at sea. It is a simple and economically-priced service performed with solemn dignity, as it contains the wonderful mana or the spiritual essence of Hawai‘i's compassion and aloha. Our sea burial system has been proven to be safer than the original Waikïkï “Beachboy” style of scattering of the ashes at sea aboard the small outrigger canoes. They are not built tough and durable enough to withstand the powerful currents and high seas, especially for these occasions here on Maui's west coast. Therefore, for everyone’s concern we use large modern U.S. Coast Guard inspected ocean vessels which are approved to carry passengers safely and comfortably out to sea and back. The paddling of outrigger canoes are no longer safe for ocean sea burials on Maui. With all due respect to the well-established mortuary and funeral homes in Hawai‘i, we provide the alternative to a conventional funeral by accepting only the cremated ashes of the deceased, subsequently scattering its remains into the tranquil waters of the beautiful Pacific Ocean – a final resting place…at home in Hawai‘i.

If you are an island resident we can recommend a crematorium or mortuary on your island that will provide the cremation service. If you are traveling from abroad to bring the ashes to Hawai‘i, we will instruct you on the procedures of transporting the cremains along with you. Today all airlines and U.S. airport security, as you may well know, are very strict with any and all packages traveling through the system. Don’t be discouraged because it’s okay to travel to Hawai‘i with it. Likewise, we’re also accepting boxes of ashes practically every day from different overseas countries and U.S. cities by folks shipping the ashes of a loved one to us on Maui by UPS or FedEX occasionally requesting for an “unescorted” sea burial service. And if time is of the essence or personalfinances prevents you to travel to Hawai‘i for this sea burial experience we will recommend and gladly assist you with the procedures of shipping the “unescorted” ashes directly to us instead. That mode of service is quite common to facilitate as we do many non-accompanied “unescorted” services weekly. The service will honorably be conducted as if you were personally here to partake in the actual sea burial. And for your records or for the benefit of those who are unable to make the trip to Hawai‘i we can videotape the entire sea burial service and send the finished product back to you.

Native Hawaiians who ‘olelo Hawai‘i or speak the native language, refer to this memorial occasion respectfully as na ho‘ohiwahiwa o ho‘öla or a celebration of life. Interestingly enough, though more and more people from the continental US and other overseas countries of the free world, who have either resided or visited our islands over the years have continuously requested this affordable service. They are usually the kama‘aina or the frequent visitor who has become a hänai or adopted resident of these islands, and who’s heart has become a permanent fixture of their favorite ‘äilana or island. Although our company is now anchored on the island of Maui the sea burial boats sail daily either out of Ma'alaea Harbor or Lahaina Harbor, we are also servicing the island of O‘ahu, operating directly on the beach at Waikïkï, where our company had “unofficially” originated over a half century ago. The amount of family members and invited guests going on board to participate in the scattering ceremony or the size of the vessel that is used will ultimately determine the cost of the sea burial service. To make a reservation for these locations, simply dial 1-808-661-9199. We are easier accessible by telephone than to a computer’s e-mail. However, it is recommended that you contact us only during our business hours, which is between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, Hawaiian Standard Time. A mailed in advance 50% non-refundable check of the total is your required deposit. It will secure and guarantee your sea burial reservation. A multiple sea burial comprised of two or more persons or containers of cremated ashes, are priced at $400 more per each added urn, container or person. Each also requires a separate deposit of $200 per additional container or person. Yes, your cremated pet animal can also be scattered in the ocean waters off of Maui along with you or its master is listed at $100 each pet.

The process for the ocean memorial service takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour at both island venues. They sail daily at sunset. To service a sea burial on the mid-size boat, which will safely carry 10 to 15 passengers, will cost $1,500 at Waikïkï or Maui. To accomodate 16 to 30 persons on the large vessel is $3,000. We can very safely and comfortably accommodate passage for just two persons for only $650, and to safely transport up to six mourners out to sea for the celebration of life while providing the same wonderful sea burial service will cost $995. An “unescorted” sea burial service is available if no one can travel with the cremated ashes to Hawai‘i for the service. You can very easily ship the urn directly to us on Maui. The “unescorted” sea burial which service can be videotaped in its entirety is priced at $850. An out of state check will be accepted only if it is received in Hawai‘i ten days prior to a sea burial service date. Sorry, but we do not accept credit cards for payment at anytime. A 50% nonrefundable deposit on each service is required for all sea burials. And if your sea burial payment is paid in full when making your deposit for a reservation we’ll take 5% off of the total cost. A LETTER OF CONFIRMATION containing your paid receipt will be faxed or emailed to you. Gratuity and tax will be added after the final figures have been determined. The prices that are listed includes the following: a bag of flowers to sprinkle into the ocean after the cremated ashes have been scattered, plus a flower lei for the deceased. Also one each flower lei will be given to everyone goingalong on the sail to traditionally wear upon boarding the vessel, which eventually will be tossed into the water after the ashes have been scattered. Soft drinks and bottled water will be served on request. The boat, its crew, the blessings and final departing words by the Hawaiian minister, the Hawaiian sea burial certificate, the flowers, the sounding of the ceremonial conch shell, the cultural chanting and Hawaiian farewell music are all included. Please make checks payable to A HAWAIIAN SEA BURIAL COMPANY. The unpaid balance, when it is due in Hawai‘i shall be paid only in cash, or travelers checks before anyone is allowed to go onboard the boat. A kama’aina (local Hawai‘i residents) and active military personnel discount will be honored. An ‘ohana (family) discount is being offered to immediate family members of a deceased relative whose Hawaiian sea burial we had previously serviced is on record.

Absolutely no out-of-state personal or business checks will be accepted in Hawai‘i on a sea burial day. NO EXCEPTIONS please, thank you. All final payments due in Hawai‘i shall be made prior to boarding your designated sea burial vessel. Upon receipt of your deposit by mail you will be assigned a boat of which it’s departure time will be made to you in your LETTER OF CONFIRMATION, along with your deposit receipt and the person whom you should contact when you arrive on your respective island. On Maui, call us at 661-9199 when you arrive for further instructions.

It is important that you have access to a fax number or an email address so that we may easily expedite important information to you. To make a sea burial reservation for either Maui or Waikïkï call 1-808-661-9199. It’s generally a Hawaiian tradition that mourners and guests have fresh flower leis to cast into the water after the ashes have been deposited. We’ll present each passenger with a fresh flower lei to wear when they go aboard our boats and as we venture out to sea for the service. Wear a hat and protective clothing during your boat trip because the Hawaiian sun rays are quite powerful. Sunscreen too is advised. Dress is casual, wear comfortable shorts or beachwear, no nylons or leather sole shoes. We’ll have bottled water and complimentary soft drinks. If you’re in Waikïkï (Honolulu) dial 1-808-661-9199 to reach our main office on Maui.

A Hawaiian Sea Burial Company service consists of the following:
Ø A safe motorized boat or a sea-going sailing vessel with a licensed Captain aboard to take our passengers out to the legal limit that is permitted by law, to scatter the cremated ashes. All of our boats are U.S. COAST GUARD inspected, insured and totally safe for this occasion. They are powered by sails or/and large engines. And yes, clean restrooms are on board. Smoking is strictly prohibited on all boats.
Ø A kahu or nondenominational Christian Hawaiian priest will deliver a prayer and final parting words. The price remains the same with or without the Christian Hawaiian blessing or final parting words. Although it is rare, we will not depart if the seas are not safe for all concerned. We will make that decision within 24-hours prior to its scheduled departure time, but still schedule a make-up sea burial for another day and time or when weather permits. After you have boarded your boat please make yourself comfortable, relax and enjoy your cruise out to sea where the most wonderful sights you’re about to experience on Maui or Waikiki awaits you.
Ø Like other boats out at sea, safety is our priority. All invited personnel coming on board for the ceremony will be pointed out their life vest. We do not go beyond the required distance that is permitted by law and we are licensed by the State of Hawai‘i to perform this service. No intoxicated person will be allowed to board the boat for the sea burial and all smoking is prohibited
Ø Friends or family members on board are invited to share memorable moments and talk “happy talk” about the deceased and say their final words of aloha during the moment of prayer as you gather together for the last time.
Ø If you choose to avoid hassling with the airlines’ strict security, especially at the airport when travelling to the islands with the cremains of your loved one, you can easily send it directly to us via UPS, FEDEX, etc., to relieve you of such pressure. Simply call an overseas courier in your hometown. A delivery representative will be at your doorstep almost immediately to pick up the parcel and have it delivered to our physical address on Maui.
Ø A Hawaiian Sea Burial Company staff will sound the ceremonial conch shell, and sprinkle a bag of fresh flowers in the ocean waters after the cremains have been scattered, followed by your flower leis and more loose flowers. The CD record playing of island songs of aloha, plus a farewell chant and the sounding of the ceremonial conch shell is rendered as your boat circles the ashes and flowers, and as everyone observes the floating flowers and flower leis slowly drift farther and farther away in a distance.
Ø After you’ve returned to shore A Hawaiian Sea Burials Certificate will be presented to a family member or caregiver. The amount of persons riding aboard will also determine the length of time your boat will be out at sea because the time allowed during each person’s final spoken words of farewell will make a difference in the time you’re going to be out at sea. If the amount of passengers, which you had originally counted, is reduced in any number and for whatever reason, the price still remains the same.

UNESCORTED SERVICES
Remember, if you are not financially or emotionally suited to bring a loved one’s ashes to Hawai‘i, an “unescorted” service can be facilitated. Simply send the cremated ashes in a secured package directly to us on Maui for the traditional Hawaiian sea burial, by way of UPS, FEDEX or any courier that transports parcel packages to Hawai‘i. We guarantee that we’ll provide the same respectable and courteous service for the “unescorted” ashes as if you or an entire family of mourners were present for the actual sea burial. We will videotape the entire service out at sea from the beginning and until it’s completion and have that tape available to you, along with A Hawaiian Sea Burial Certificate. The cost for the “unescorted” sea burial service is priced at $850 plus tax and gratuity. Call us on Maui for more shipping or traveling information at 1-808-661-9199 during our business office hours, daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. HST. Call us for our physical address on Maui only if a courier will be transporting the ashes to us on Maui.

Please feel free to call us anytime during our business hours for a no-cost consultation. And remember, for your own peace of mind, that not only are sea burials, practical, affordable and traditional in Hawai‘i, they also are perfectly legal.