Honolulu, Hawaii

Live Your Dash:  Nine lives, nine dashes. But, we know little about how any of them lived their dashes. Presumably, they shared an opinion on where their earthly remains should spend eternity: at sea. Down with their bodies, up with their souls. The names indicate an extended family. Oahu Cemetery. [2011]

Haleiwa, Hawaii

K is for Kahoiwai:  He was born in the Kingdom of Hawaii during the reign of Kamehameha III. He died in the U.S. Territory of Hawaii during the reign of Dole Pineapple. His grandparents must have been among the first to be Christianized, probably during the great wave of missionary activity that swept Oahu in the 1820s. Clearly his parents were devout believers: he carries the name of Jesus' father. But the middle name was chosen to maintain the link to traditional Hawaiian culture. He must have been proud of both names since they are both on his tombstone. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii

Obelisks as Memorials:  Is an Egyptian pharaoh buried here? No. But if one of the Ramses were to appear graveside today, he would feel right at home. Whoever is buried with an obelisk on top will be remembered as a pharaoh in his own right. The headstones at the base of the obelisk force visitors to bow their heads, and the obelisk pointing skyward forces them to lift their eyes to heaven. It is performance art that communicates humility and awe. Oahu Cemetery. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii

Rainbows in the Graveyard:  Not a day goes by in Honolulu that you don't see a rainbow in the sky. Of course, therefore, you would expect to see a rainbow in the cemetery. Oahu Cemetery. [2011]

"I'll love you more." -- Judy

Honolulu, Hawaii

Markers of the Baha'i Diaspora:  The Baha'i faith originated in Iran, but adherents were so severely persecuted there that few are left. Instead, they live all over the globe, including here in Honolulu. Many Baha'is, though, are converts, so don't depend on Iranian names to tip you off.  The nine-pointed star, on the other hand, is a tip-off. It's been the most popular insignia of the Baha'i faith. Oahu Cemetery. [2011]

Honolulu, Hawaii

Food as 'Grave Goods':  Fresh fruit to eat is commonly put on Buddhist graves (though most Buddhists today are cremated). And don't be surprised if you see tea or sake, too. Food becomes the medium by which the living honor departed souls. Oahu Cemetery. [2011]