Lindbergh's Grave, Kipahulu (past Hana), Maui Photo Gallery by Thomas on Islands at pbase.com

Lindbergh's Grave, Kipahulu (past Hana), Maui

Kipahulu, mile 41 past Hana.
Approx. 11 miles past Hana a narrow road leads to a plateau with an old church Palapala Ho'omau (1857) and a small cemetery. This is the resting place of the legendary aviator Charles Lindbergh. He died on August 26, 1974 and was buried in a small ceremony, which he planned for himself in his final days. He asked to be laid to rest barefoot in his khaki work clothes.

Lindbergh was introduced to Maui by his friend Sam Pryor. Grave of Sam Pryor is also on this cemetery. Between Pryor's and Lindbergs places of rest are six small graves. Sam Pryor put to rest his six beloved gibbons monkeys on the same cemetery!

Outlook from Kipahulu Plateau: steep cliffs lead to the ragged shoreline. If front of the plateau several small islets are being endlessly carved by the waves. The cerenity of the cemetery, this magnificent view and the noise of pounding waves leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

06N-31-Road to the Cemetery	08C-23-Arrival at the Church	08C-24-Information Sign	08C-25 Spooky Banyan Tree	08C-12-Palapala Ho'omau Church
08C-13-Palapala Ho'omau Church	06N-32-Palapala Ho'omau Church	07N-01-Grave of Charles A. Lindbergh	08C-16-Grave of Charles A. Lindbergh	08C-17-Grave of Charles A. Lindbergh
08C-32-At the Church Entrance	08C-33-Palapala Ho'omau Church	08C-14-Look at graves of Pryor Family	08C-15-Graves of Pryor and his 6 Gibbons	08C-30-Plateau toward cliffs
08C-28-Kipahulu Outlook	08C-29-Kipahulu Outlook	06N-34-Islets seen from Kipahulu	08C-20-The Cemetery	08C-22-The Cemetery
08C-34 Kipahulu

comment |

n8ara1		25-Feb-2013 08:53
My wife, my mother (how is a history buff and told us about Charles Lindbergh's grave near Hana)and I went to the old church Palapala Ho'omau. We were looking at Lindbergh's grave when Sam Pryor came near us. He introduced himself and asked us to his house. We spent 4 wonderful hours in his house listening to his stories. We were so fasinated with the stories we foregot to take pictures in his house. What a wonderful man. This took place in Aug. 1978.

L Phillips		23-Nov-2012 21:20
I was going through some old books and came upon my signed book, All God's Creatures, that I received from Sam Pryor back in April,1982. My mother and I had taken the road to Hanna looking for the small church and Lindbergh's grave we had heard about. What fun memories we have of finding the church and meeting Sam there. He invited us back to his home where he took us around showing us his collections. I have pictures of myself with Sam and also pictures of me holding one of his Gibbons. If I remember right there was a large glass wall in the house that housed the Gibbons. What fun to find this site and read everyones experience with him. It brought back many memories there. Oh, and the drive back was also one I will never forget, it was getting dark and started to rain. It was a long drive back! Thanks everyone for sharing.

Paul Falvella		08-Oct-2012 15:49
I lived down the street from the Pryors in Greenwich, and would often go over and play with Kieki, my friend the Gibbon ape during the summer. I remember once taking a drive with Mr Pryor and the ape in his 1908 Rauch and Lang battery powered car. During the winter they went to Hawaii, with the Lindbergs, people find it hard to believe I shared a pet with Charles Lindberg

Joan Field		31-Aug-2012 21:05
My husband ,my son and myself were in Hawaii for our 25th anniversary in 1981.We went to see Lindburghs grave and met Samuel at the church.He unbelievably knew my father in law who had been in politics in Milford ct.He invited us to his wonderful home,met his beloved gibbons and told us wonderful stories.I was so impressed with this gracious man and all the wonderful things he had from all over the world!We also took the road? back.Very scary.Truly a man that left a wonderful legacy,Felt so fortunate to have met him.

Guest		28-Jul-2012 14:21
This web-site brings back fond memories. Around 1980 I visited Maui for a week with my late wife - having spent Christmas and New Year in Honolulu. A local called Seth gave a talk on Maui legends, flora, the volcano and Hana etc and we booked him for a tour of the island - he drove our rental car and it was an amazing experience. The highlight was after visiting the Church where Charles Lindberg was buried - Seth made a call and asked a few other visitors to join us, then, to our surprise, took us to Sam Pryor's house. Sam was an amazing and kind person - we had tea and he showed us around his collections in his house - his doll collection from world leaders and items relating to his time in Interpol - he explained how he helped Roosevelt in the war to set up air bases for the USA airforce and how Pan Am gained the routes to these places after the war. He loved Maui. His Children (or Grandchildren?) were playing music in his barn. He explained how, when he and Lindberg built houses in Maui the ruling was - in this part past Hana - that no houses could be built in sight of another. We looked at the sea (I seem to remember a waterfall) and he gave my late wife one of his signed books (we moved a few times and I hope to refing it again soon). It was an amazing visit - the highlight of our visit to Hawaii - I will always remember this kind amazing man and I am glad you have posted these images on the web. I would love to return to Maui, but health would not let me travel so far, so I live with the memories. Many thanks Rod from England.

Cal Pitts		09-Feb-2012 02:11
Thank you for bringing to life 35-year-old memories. In 1977, while in Hawaii on a NASA assignment, I accidently met someone at the hotel who knew exactly where the old church was. Following her directions, I found more than I hoped. While looking at Charles Augustus Lindbergh's new grave marker, which was only 3 years old at the time, I was transfixed by words from Psalm 139. Then my eyes fell to the lower right-hand corner. I had to blink several times to realize I was reading my own name on his marker, CAL. His boyhood friend, and my aviation mentor, Bud Gurney, opened a door when an elderly gentleman walked up to the grave while I was standing there, and I asked if he knew Bud. Sam and his Gibbon ape invited me to his home where his wife, Mary Tay, fixed us a refreshment. Animated conversation followed. When I tried to leave he wouldn't hear of it. I allowed myself to be talked in to staying the night in his Captain's Quarters where, he said, Lindbergh had stayed before buying a house next door. When I was a boy, I would never have dreamed of sleeping in a bed where Lindbergh had slept. No man and his wife were ever kinder to me than the Sam Pryor's. While there, I had the rare privilege of reading several notebooks of hand-written letters from Charles Lindbergh to Sam when he was a VP with Pan Am. Naturally, I went back for other visits. In my memory bank of treasured experiences, this is up there at the top. And your pictures, so familiar to me, bring those precious memories flooding back. Thank you. Capt Cal Pitts, Airline Pilot (ret.)

Robert Delp		04-Feb-2012 05:40
I was there in 1985.It was a very beautiful and moving experience

Elizabeth		11-Dec-2011 06:51
We visited the gravesite of Charles Lindbergh last Sunday, December 4, 2011. There was no one else present when we arrived and I felt such great peace there behind the little church that I was moved to tears. It was the highlight of my trip to Maui to visit the grave of this great man.

Paul K Phillips		02-Dec-2011 11:48
My wife and I visited the church and Lindbergh's grave in 1978, our second year of marriage. At the time I remember being overwhelmed by the beauty and peacefulness of this place, in stark contrast to the road necessary to get there. I have never forgotten it and always wondered if Col. Lindbergh found some semblance of "peace" here. This Sunday I'm preaching on "Peace" and this story of Lindbergh's Grave is one of my sermon illustrations. I do so humbly and hope it brings honor to a great man.

Elverda Smith		20-Nov-2011 02:18
My husband an I visited Sam's home in 1979, He greeted us in the cemetary at Lindbergh's grave. He invited us to his home for a 4 o'clock cocktail. His grandaugher an great-grand son were there also. He showed us the falls off a porch of his home and told us about the history of the natives that would jump into the water to cool off when they were infected by a high fever. He had a folding chair made of ebony wood that was a gift from a chief of tribe in India that my husband sat on. He said it was a musuem piece and I thought he shouldn't sit on it. Sam said no, no, he can't hurt it , just relax and enjoy it. It was at sundown and I said we have a long ride back to Lahaina so we better get on the road. Sam said , no,no take the short cut and you will get home in no time. What a ride, we stopped several time to push rock out the way.It was a one way road with no return.

cincy14		03-Aug-2011 04:19
Sam Pryor must have been one nice person to share his experiences with all of you. I was just at the church a few days ago and paid my repsects to Lindbergh. I would have liked to have done this years ago and been fortunate enough to meet Sam.

Thomas on Islands		23-Feb-2011 04:02
Thank you Ben for this excellent recollection!

Ben M.		12-Feb-2011 04:05
This is fun reading all the comments about Sam Pryor. I was just a kid visiting Hana Ranch with my parents and I met Sam at the Hana airport back in the late 1960's or early 70's. Sam wore a pistol which I thought was so cool. I think my Dad knew some of Sam's family or friends. Sam invited us back to his house which was right on the ocean. The funny thing for me is that Sam had a monkey on his property that took a liking to me which was funny because the monkey wanted to play with me and kept smacking me with his long arms to get my attention. The monkey would swing from tree to tree and swoop down on me trying to get my attention, which he did! Sam said the monkey always takes a liking to the young people! We had a very fun and memorable time with Sam at his house for that afternoon. He was very nice to us! I have visited Hana since then and have visited Lindbergh’s grave and always remember that afternoon with Sam and my family, very fun.

Ben M.		12-Feb-2011 04:01
This is fun reading all the comments about Sam Pryor. I was just a kid visiting Hana Ranch with my parents and I met Sam at the Hana airport back in the late 1960's or early 70's. Sam wore a pistol which I thought was so cool. I think my Dad knew some of Sam's family or friends. Sam invited us back to his house which was right on the ocean. The funny thing for me is that Sam had a monkey on his property that took a liking to me which was funny because the monkey wanted to play with me and kept smacking me with his long arms to get my attention. The monkey would swing from tree to tree and swoop down on me trying to get my attention, which he did! Sam said the monkey always takes a liking to the young people! We had a very fun and memorable time with Sam at his house for that afternoon. He was very nice to us! I have visited Hana since then and have visited Lindbergh’s grave and always remember that afternoon with Sam and my family, very fun.

Richard Malland		18-Dec-2010 18:39
I visited Lindbergh's grave in the early 80's.Met Sam Pryor at the church. He invited me to his home and showed me his mechanical doll collection, pictures of kings and queens all over the world and his magnificent collection of artifacts, gifts, etc. given to him.The giant palapa and waterfall in his backyard is something i will never forget.What a kind, sharing personable person he was! Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys got that property for a song!!! I will never forget that moment in time with Sam Pryor.

Dusty		29-Nov-2010 04:54
My girl friend and I tried to find this most special place on the return from going thru Hana. We never did! We are going back again in January '11 and will take take the back way going east on the Pi'ilana Hwy. If anyone knows a sure fire way to find this place, please post here. I will check back...thanks!

Duane W Wheeler		10-Oct-2010 01:32
I had visited the church and Charles A. Lindbergh's grave on September 19, 2010 on my stay at Hana. It had been 35 years prior to this visit that I first visited the site. It was thrill for me to return. I felt joy, happiness and peace and a deep feeling of gratitude, as well as the present of God in this place. It is a place in my heart. Truly beautiful and lovely. I can see why Charles A. Lindbergh even tho he was in pain and suffering from cancer, wanted one last time to make this trip back to Maui and be buried in his lovely church yard.

Karen Allen		27-Apr-2010 01:48
This is a wonderful site. I was just telling my son about Mr. Pryor and his Gibbons. One of my fondest memories as a child, in the '70s & '80s, vactioning at the Hana Ranch, was going to visit Sam. No trip was complete until we went to visit him. He was always so kind and welcoming. I was also telling my son how he had a collection of mechanical dolls that were amazing. I often dream about the gazebo he had out back on the cliff as well. Ahh, what a beautiful spot. Truly paradise. I have always felt honored to have had the opportunity to know such a kind and wonderful man. Thanks for the memories.

Guest		20-Mar-2010 19:40
Sam Pryor and Mary Taylor Pryor were my grandparents. Thank you so much for hosting this site which brought back many memories.

Marcile Preuit		02-Mar-2010 19:32
Marcile Preuit A must see was finding where Lindbergh had livied and the airport he used near Hana. The Church where he now rests was restored by Lindgergh and Sam Pryor as told to us by Sam. As we checked out the grave sites Sam Pryer came up to us, he came daily to ring the Church bell, after ringing the bell he visited and invited us to his small lovely home, showing us his collection from many of our US Pres that he had worked with,he stating Lady Bird Johnson had just been to visit the week before (my dads cousin) He asked us to join him for dinner, we declinded as it was late afternoon and we had the drive back over the winding bumpy road to our hotel, leaving he presented us with a book he had written. It was indeed a pleasure of our chance meeting with Sam, he was a Grand person, the next year in Sept. 1985 Sam was layed to rest near his good friend Charles. His house keeper was a kind young pretty lady and very protective of Sam, a very good care giver.

John Byrne		31-Dec-2009 23:18
I was on Maui in 1980 and met Sam Pryor. I had walked out behind the church alone following the sound of the crashing surf, did not know there were cliffs. On my way back toward the church I came across this large flat marker stone. The grass was 8 to 12 inches high in the area and the height partially obscured the marker (it did not look like the one that is there now, has it been changed?). I stood reading the inscription for a moment and felt a presence at my left elbow. I turned to see an old man standing, looking at the marker with me. He said "He was a great man". I asked if this was really 'him' and he said "Yes, this is Charles Lindburg". Ulitmately he invited me and my three companions back to his incredible home for lunch! We went, not knowing if we should and were greated by his Hawaiian house keeper who did not want us there. We took the hint and tried to leave but Sam insisted we stay. His home was filled with momentos of his times in North Africa and the Arabian Penninsula during WWII. It was like a museum. At the time I did not know he had been the VP of PanAm. Anyway, he wanted us to stay, asked us if we wanted to camp on his beach (we were back-packing Maui for 2 weeks). His house keeper was giving us "you better leave now" looks so after the brief lunch, tuna sandwiches and chips I think, we politely thanked him for lunch and took our leave. I remember a walkway to a gazebo that looked out over a waterfall coming down from the cliff above. It was a very special afternoon and one I will always remember.

jim_the_pilot		26-May-2009 02:42
I have had the extreme privilege of standing at the grave of Mr. Lindbergh. I was also able to enter the church and sign the register. That building is one of the most spiritual places I have ever been in my entire life. There was a hum that I simply could not describe. I hope to return someday.

Rosanna Krause		05-May-2009 17:39
My husband and I was there May 08 for our 25th anniversary. I had tears in my eyes when I was reading these comments because I had the same feelings as some of you. When I was standing there in that place looking out to the ocean, I felt something grab my heart and hug it. That's the closest I've ever felt to God. I'm sure I'll never get to go there again, but it will remain in my heart forever.

Guest		29-Apr-2009 17:18
In the 80's, our family had a condo on Maui, I as a young child. Every visit we would drive "The Road to Hana", we met Sam while we were visiting Lindbergh's grave. As he did with so many people, he invited us back to his home. I got to hold one of his apes, and look at the dolls, play with the rhino feet on the coffee table and the thing I would look forward to the most the stories from his life. He became the highlight of our trips to Maui. I had not read his book for sometime and picked it up the other day. His stories are still relevant today. What a wonderful man. Thanks for the pictures, I have not been back since 86', but, it makes me feel like a kid again!

Bob Cole		29-Apr-2009 07:58
What I'm about to tell you took place 30 years ago in 1979. My mother came to visit us from Ohio and she was a history buff. She said Charles Lindbergh's grave is in Maui at Hana. My mother, my wife and I flew to Maui, rented a car and drove to Hana. We had to ask directions twice to find the old church Palapala Ho'omau. We walked into the church said our prayers and walk out side. We found Lindbergh's grave and was taking pictures and writing notes when an elderly man approached us. He said hello I'm Sam Pryor and was a good friend of Charles Lindbergh. He invited us to his home to view the pictures and memorabilia he had from all over the world. He made us tea and and we chatted for four hours. We had a wonderful time and could of stayed longer but I wanted to be off the twisting Hana Highway before dark set in. About 4 months later I saw an article in the paper that said Mr. Pryor would see people at the cemetery and invite them to his home about once a month. We felt lucky to be chosen by Mr. Pryor. About a year later I saw Mr. Pryor's obituary in the paper and sent it to my mother.

Sheryl K.		06-Mar-2009 17:10
My friends and I were there February 11th of this year. We missed the turn off and had to go back several miles. The place is hauntingly beautiful and pictures don't do it justice. I was left with the most awe inspiring feeling of my trip to Maui. It is something I will carry with me a long time.

William C. Watkins		31-Jan-2009 11:25
I just returned from his grave this very evening. If it weren't for the guard at the Haleakala guard shack, I probably wouldn't have found this place. The nice people just past the turnoff, (I missed it), that operate an organic drink stand, sent me back the correct way. Turn at the Maui Stables sign! Very somber, quiet, hauntingly beautiful place. I wish I could've gone inside the little church. How did any of you get in there? It's locked. Total time spent here was probably just half an hour but, there was no one else around, and it made it seem as if time was standing still as I stood there alone, before his grave. There's a strange feeling I have at these "seemingly" uncared for, little, isolated churches. I just don't have the poetic words to describe it. I ended up taking a bunch of pics today, as I made my way all the way around the southern part of Maui, and almost all of them were small, quiet, lonely churches, just like this one. I've been here on Maui for 6 weeks now and, unfortunately I have to return to the mainland in 2 days. I'll always remember my moment, alone, with the warm breeze, the setting sun, the sound of the waves, and Mr Lindberg resting nearby.

Bill Young		17-Sep-2008 03:33
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to see this location; I was in Hana in April of this year, but we failed to find the church; however, it was a fast trip; we did drive to the point where huge rocks blocked the road. I read A. Scott Berg's "Lindbergh" last year and was intrigued by the book's depiction of the funeral.

tahoe		05-Apr-2008 20:37
For me This was the most spritual place I have ever been!! It is absolutely beautiful, peaceful and calming. We were there in 1995 and I have not been back but I certainly have not forgotten this place!! Someday ~

Dudley		02-Mar-2008 23:54
My wife and I just returned from Maui. We finally made it to Palapala Ho'omau church and Lindbergh's grave. This was our third trip. The first time we missed the turn to the church, the second the bridge was out because of an earthquake that damaged a bridge between Hana and Kipahula. Third time was a charm and well worth the wait. What a peaceful and beautiful place!!! We had a picnic lunch in the park behind the cemetary. The highlight of our trip.

Fay		24-Feb-2008 20:26
My daughters and I took my husband David's ashes over 17 years ago today and spread them along the cliff on the other side of the fence. I visit every time I am on Maui, I take a lei to put in the area where his ashes are. The area always seems sacred to me.

Tom Prockish		22-Jan-2008 09:44
My family visited the Lindburgh grave in about 1982. I was about 12, My Dad was a huge fan, while there, Sam and his two grandkids came down to see us and invited us up to show my two cousins his doll collection. While there we went past the monkey cages and he proceeded to show us all his prized collections, I remember a chair a King had given him and his little dog was on it tearing the stuffing out of it. We walked the gardens, he showed us the view of the waterfall and you could see Linburghs house. We had loads of pics, quite a unique experience. He seemed like a very giving person.

lee mack		20-Jan-2008 05:55
Nice pictures. I definately need to make a trip of it. It would be nice to see my great uncle sams grave and see the place he lived.

David		04-Oct-2007 11:59
Great post. I last visited Palapolo Ho'omau church in 1990 and then and there determined that it was where I will have my ashes scattered. The serenity, peace and beauty is overwhelming. I spent several hours enjoying the church and graveyard.

Shawn		20-Sep-2007 04:12
Thanks for the pictures. I travel to Maui frequently on business. Each time I go I make time to travel to Kipahulu and spend an afternoon at the cemetery. This is my favorite place in the world. It's my paradise. I have hundreds of pictures too. many of them are very similar to yours. Thanks again

Joe		15-Apr-2007 02:02
Thanks for the memories. My wife and I visited the Lindburgh gravesite in '94, as I am an aviation person and an A&P mechanic. We dammed near wrecked the sedan's transmission trying to get there. What a ride! You've got some very nice graphics in your gallery and it took me back there for a few brief moments to enjoy the scenery. Poem on the gravestone is also in his wife's publishing. Will try to get back some day!

Tony		21-Dec-2006 04:48
I met Sam Pryor in the church in 1984. He invited my companion and I back to his house where he showed us his Gibbon apes, and told us many facinating stories. I still have a book he gave me and signed. I will never forget that experience. Tony Batakis San Diego CA

Krista Stamper		02-Nov-2006 20:10
As a child I vacationed in Hana frequently. My parents struck up a friendship with Mr. Prior. I remember that Kipahulu was so beautiful. I do recall being aprehensive of the apes, they were almost as big as I was...seeing your pictures brings back many fond memories. Thank you.

Michael Rockwood		06-May-2006 20:56
Visited Lindbergh's grave site yesterday (Cinco de Mayo '06). It was at dusk the wind was blowing hard with the skys black from rain and storm clouds. The weather left you with a supernatural feeling. My Great Grandmother help with the search for the Lindbergh's baby after the kidnapping. My good friend Lori from Protland, Oregon showed my wife Ann and I the site. We wouldn't have missed it as it will be a great memory of Maui. The drive to Hana was wet and the falls were full with fury and brown water from the rain and storms. Anyone that made the drive to Hana in the late afternoon that day will know it was a day like no other. Thank you. Michael from Tampa Bay Area Florida

Tommy Carroll		05-May-2006 23:30
Enjoyed the photos, I visited Sam Pryor's grave yesterday 5-4-06. I was there for a project I am doing on Lindbergh "Pan Am The Early Years". I had hear of Sam Pryor over the years. I wish I had met him, there was a young Polenesian girl near the graves that told me the story about the Gibbons, I had not heard that about Sam, I also took some photos for my project. Thanks for your photos they really capture the area.

ken		24-Nov-2005 04:16
I remember meeting Sam Pryor in Hana with a sign on his property saying " If there is a Heaven - It is here ,it is here it is here- He als told me his Gibbon apes were more human than humans They don't kill each other.Very interesting man to say the least!

Robert Hemmes		12-Jan-2005 20:44
I came upon your gallery when I searched for Sam Pryor You visited his grave next to Lindbergh's. Sam Pryor was my wife's uncle, and he was a colorful character. When he lived in Greenwich Connecticut he carried a Mynah bird on his shoulder which made his shirt front colorful also. The bird could talk. He started his comments by saying "birds can't talk." Anyway I toured Maui with you and Nina, Perry, Jaelene, Chris and Scott. Although I had made the same drive I saw much more on your tour. You made some remarkably good pics with your digital cam. Good composition and subject matter. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you for posting it. Robert Hemmes roboh@buz.net

click on thumbnails for full image

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment

Type your message and click Add Comment

It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest. Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help	private comment