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Services & Packages
We specialize in providing culturally-grounded end-of-life celebrations that reflect the nuances of Hawai'i's cultures and religions. For all services, we offer highly personalized assistance.
WATER CREMATION
Water cremation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is a gentle water processing method that is water plus 5% alkali (a common ingredient in liquid soaps) combined with heat in a pressurized chamber to mimic the natural decomposition process. It is gaining rapid adoption across the US and the world due to its gentleness and minimal carbon footprint. The water left over from the process can be used to water plants so your loved one can rejoin nature and complete the circle of life.
Water cremation services offer a flexible, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional burial. The process reduces human remains to coarse sand or fine ash through intense heat. Families can choose among various service types, plan unique memorial tributes, and easily decide how to handle or scatter their loved one's ashes.
Types of Cremation Services
Direct Cremation: The simplest and most economical option. The body is transported and cremated without an embalming, viewing, or prior funeral service.
Memorial Service: The cremation takes place first, and a formal service—with or without the urn present—is held days or weeks later.
Traditional Cremation: Functions exactly like a traditional funeral. It includes body preparation, embalming, and an open-casket viewing, followed by the cremation.
How the Process Works
Preparation: The deceased is placed into a specialized stainless steel vessel.
Solution Application: The chamber is filled with a mixture of approximately 95% water and 5% alkali.
Heat and Circulation: The mixture is gently heated (usually around ~ 300° F) and pressurized for 4 to 6 hours.
Separation: Soft tissues are reduced to a sterile liquid (effluent) rich in amino acids and nutrients, which is safely returned to the municipal wastewater system.
Returns: The remaining bones are dried, processed into a fine, sand-like powder, and given to the family in an urn.
Key Benefits
Environmental Impact: It uses roughly 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces zero direct greenhouse gas emissions.No Vaporized
Toxics: Mercury from dental fillings is not vaporized, and pacemakers do not need to be removed.
Higher Yield: It returns 20% to 30% more of the loved one's remains than traditional cremation.
Availability and Cost
While highly sustainable, water cremation is not available everywhere. It is legal in many states (including Hawaii, California, and Washington), but regulations and facility availability still vary by region.
Water cremation services offer a flexible, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional burial. The process reduces human remains to coarse sand or fine ash through intense heat. Families can choose among various service types, plan unique memorial tributes, and easily decide how to handle or scatter their loved one's ashes.
Types of Cremation Services
Direct Cremation: The simplest and most economical option. The body is transported and cremated without an embalming, viewing, or prior funeral service.
Memorial Service: The cremation takes place first, and a formal service—with or without the urn present—is held days or weeks later.
Traditional Cremation: Functions exactly like a traditional funeral. It includes body preparation, embalming, and an open-casket viewing, followed by the cremation.
How the Process Works
Preparation: The deceased is placed into a specialized stainless steel vessel.
Solution Application: The chamber is filled with a mixture of approximately 95% water and 5% alkali.
Heat and Circulation: The mixture is gently heated (usually around ~ 300° F) and pressurized for 4 to 6 hours.
Separation: Soft tissues are reduced to a sterile liquid (effluent) rich in amino acids and nutrients, which is safely returned to the municipal wastewater system.
Returns: The remaining bones are dried, processed into a fine, sand-like powder, and given to the family in an urn.
Key Benefits
Environmental Impact: It uses roughly 90% less energy than flame cremation and produces zero direct greenhouse gas emissions.No Vaporized
Toxics: Mercury from dental fillings is not vaporized, and pacemakers do not need to be removed.
Higher Yield: It returns 20% to 30% more of the loved one's remains than traditional cremation.
Availability and Cost
While highly sustainable, water cremation is not available everywhere. It is legal in many states (including Hawaii, California, and Washington), but regulations and facility availability still vary by region.
CREMATION
Cremation services offer a flexible, cost-effective, and environmentally conscious alternative to traditional burial. The process reduces human remains to coarse sand or fine ash through intense heat. Families can choose among various service types, plan unique memorial tributes, and easily decide how to handle or scatter their loved one's ashes.
Types of Cremation Services
Direct Cremation: The simplest and most economical option. The body is transported and cremated without an embalming, viewing, or prior funeral service.
Memorial Service: The cremation takes place first, and a formal service—with or without the urn present—is held days or weeks later.
Traditional Cremation: Functions exactly like a traditional funeral. It includes body preparation, embalming, and an open-casket viewing, followed by the cremation.
Types of Cremation Services
Direct Cremation: The simplest and most economical option. The body is transported and cremated without an embalming, viewing, or prior funeral service.
Memorial Service: The cremation takes place first, and a formal service—with or without the urn present—is held days or weeks later.
Traditional Cremation: Functions exactly like a traditional funeral. It includes body preparation, embalming, and an open-casket viewing, followed by the cremation.
BURIAL
Burial services provide a structured way to say goodbye to a loved one, encompassing body preparation, ceremonies at a funeral home or religious venue, and the final interment at a cemetery. They offer an essential opportunity for family and friends to process grief, celebrate a life, and find mutual support.
A traditional burial service typically follows a sequence of stages designed to honor the deceased and support the grieving process. Understanding these steps can help families navigate the logistical and emotional aspects of making arrangements.
Key Components of a Burial Service
Preparation and Embalming: The funeral home manages the physical care of the deceased, which may include washing, dressing, cosmetology, and embalming depending on the family’s preferences and the timeline for the service.Visitation or Wake: A gathering held before the funeral where friends and family can view the deceased (if the casket is open) and offer condolences to the family.
Funeral Service: The main ceremonial event. It can take place in a funeral home chapel, a place of worship, or at the graveside. It usually features music, scripture readings, and the eulogy—a speech commemorating the life and character of the deceased.
Committal Service: Also known as the graveside service, this is a brief gathering at the specific burial plot in the cemetery. It occurs after the main funeral service and marks the final placement of the casket into the ground or a mausoleum.
Reception: A post-service gathering where attendees can eat, share memories, and provide emotional support.
Burial Options
Traditional Ground Burial: The casket is interred in the ground, usually within a protective outer burial container or vault required by many cemeteries.
Mausoleum Entombment: The casket is placed above ground in a designated building with crypts (a mausoleum).
Green Burial: An eco-friendly alternative where the body is buried without embalming fluids, in a biodegradable casket or shroud, to allow natural decomposition.
A traditional burial service typically follows a sequence of stages designed to honor the deceased and support the grieving process. Understanding these steps can help families navigate the logistical and emotional aspects of making arrangements.
Key Components of a Burial Service
Preparation and Embalming: The funeral home manages the physical care of the deceased, which may include washing, dressing, cosmetology, and embalming depending on the family’s preferences and the timeline for the service.Visitation or Wake: A gathering held before the funeral where friends and family can view the deceased (if the casket is open) and offer condolences to the family.
Funeral Service: The main ceremonial event. It can take place in a funeral home chapel, a place of worship, or at the graveside. It usually features music, scripture readings, and the eulogy—a speech commemorating the life and character of the deceased.
Committal Service: Also known as the graveside service, this is a brief gathering at the specific burial plot in the cemetery. It occurs after the main funeral service and marks the final placement of the casket into the ground or a mausoleum.
Reception: A post-service gathering where attendees can eat, share memories, and provide emotional support.
Burial Options
Traditional Ground Burial: The casket is interred in the ground, usually within a protective outer burial container or vault required by many cemeteries.
Mausoleum Entombment: The casket is placed above ground in a designated building with crypts (a mausoleum).
Green Burial: An eco-friendly alternative where the body is buried without embalming fluids, in a biodegradable casket or shroud, to allow natural decomposition.
MEMORIAL SHIPPING
Memorial shipping services facilitate the dignified, long-distance transportation of human remains or cremated ashes, allowing families to hold services in their preferred location. The two primary options are body repatriation (ground or air transport for an uncremated or embalmed body) and cremation shipping (transferring ashes through official postal services).
Body Repatriation (Domestic & International)
Transporting a deceased loved one across state lines or overseas requires coordination between two funeral homes—a "sending" funeral home and a "receiving" funeral home.
The Process: The sending funeral home prepares the body (embalming or refrigeration) and secures the necessary legal permits and documentation (e.g., burial-transit permits, death certificates). They then transport the remains to the airport or by ground to the destination.
Airline Transport: Remains are shipped as cargo. Specialized shipping containers (such as an "air tray" or combination unit) are required.
International Shipments: This is heavily regulated and requires consulate approval, translation of documents, and often hermetically sealed caskets.
Specialists: Families frequently rely on National Mortuary Shipping or similar logistics specialists who work directly with funeral directors to manage compliance, logistics, and airline bookings.
Shipping Cremated Remains
Transporting ashes is logistically simpler but requires strict adherence to postal regulations.
Domestic Mail: In the United States, you cannot use standard courier services like UPS or FedEx for cremated remains. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is the only legally sanctioned postal service for transporting ashes. You must use Priority Mail Express and obtain a special cremated remains kit (BOX-CRE). You must also affix a "Label 139" on the outside of the box.
International Mail: Shipping ashes overseas requires checking the specific country’s prohibitions and restrictions using the USPS International Mail Manual.
Factors to Consider When Planning
When coordinating a memorial shipment, several factors will impact your timeline and budget:
Timeframe: Domestic shipments usually take a few days, whereas international shipments can take anywhere from 3 to 5 business days (or longer depending on consulate processing).
Budget: Costs vary significantly based on distance, the need for embalming, airline cargo fees, and consulate paperwork.
Veterans Benefits: Eligible veterans may qualify for certain transportation allowances and burial benefits, such as a burial plot in a national cemetery.
Body Repatriation (Domestic & International)
Transporting a deceased loved one across state lines or overseas requires coordination between two funeral homes—a "sending" funeral home and a "receiving" funeral home.
The Process: The sending funeral home prepares the body (embalming or refrigeration) and secures the necessary legal permits and documentation (e.g., burial-transit permits, death certificates). They then transport the remains to the airport or by ground to the destination.
Airline Transport: Remains are shipped as cargo. Specialized shipping containers (such as an "air tray" or combination unit) are required.
International Shipments: This is heavily regulated and requires consulate approval, translation of documents, and often hermetically sealed caskets.
Specialists: Families frequently rely on National Mortuary Shipping or similar logistics specialists who work directly with funeral directors to manage compliance, logistics, and airline bookings.
Shipping Cremated Remains
Transporting ashes is logistically simpler but requires strict adherence to postal regulations.
Domestic Mail: In the United States, you cannot use standard courier services like UPS or FedEx for cremated remains. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is the only legally sanctioned postal service for transporting ashes. You must use Priority Mail Express and obtain a special cremated remains kit (BOX-CRE). You must also affix a "Label 139" on the outside of the box.
International Mail: Shipping ashes overseas requires checking the specific country’s prohibitions and restrictions using the USPS International Mail Manual.
Factors to Consider When Planning
When coordinating a memorial shipment, several factors will impact your timeline and budget:
Timeframe: Domestic shipments usually take a few days, whereas international shipments can take anywhere from 3 to 5 business days (or longer depending on consulate processing).
Budget: Costs vary significantly based on distance, the need for embalming, airline cargo fees, and consulate paperwork.
Veterans Benefits: Eligible veterans may qualify for certain transportation allowances and burial benefits, such as a burial plot in a national cemetery.
MEMORIAL SERVICE
A memorial service is a personalized gathering to honor someone who has passed away. Unlike traditional funerals, the deceased's body is typically not present, allowing for greater flexibility in timing, location, and tone. Often called a "celebration of life," these events focus on sharing memories, legacies, and shared grief.
Key Differences from Funerals
Presence of Remains: Funerals feature a casket or an urn holding the ashes. Memorials focus entirely on the tribute and remembrance.
Timing: Funerals usually take place shortly after death. Memorials can be held weeks or even months later, giving families ample time to plan.
Location: Funerals are often held at a funeral home or church. Memorials can be hosted anywhere, including beaches, parks, community halls, or private homes.
Planning a Memorial Service
Determine the Format: Decide if the event will be formal and traditional or casual and uplifting.
Choose the Venue: Book a location that reflects the interests or personality of your loved one.
Draft an Order of Service: Outline the itinerary, which generally includes welcoming remarks, eulogies, musical interludes, and readings.
Curate Personal Touches: Display photographs, play the deceased’s favorite music, or arrange symbolic acts like lighting candles or sharing a meal.
Writing a Tribute or Eulogy
When speaking or writing about a loved one, structure the tribute to be authentic and engaging:
Introduction: Acknowledge the guests and introduce your relationship to the departed.
Life Journey & Milestones: Briefly highlight who they were and their life journey without reading a strict biography.
Personal Memories: Share 1-2 specific anecdotes that highlight their character, humor, or unique traits.
Legacy & Farewell: Summarize the lessons they taught you or the impact they left on the community, ending with a message of love or a favorite [quote/poem].
Key Differences from Funerals
Presence of Remains: Funerals feature a casket or an urn holding the ashes. Memorials focus entirely on the tribute and remembrance.
Timing: Funerals usually take place shortly after death. Memorials can be held weeks or even months later, giving families ample time to plan.
Location: Funerals are often held at a funeral home or church. Memorials can be hosted anywhere, including beaches, parks, community halls, or private homes.
Planning a Memorial Service
Determine the Format: Decide if the event will be formal and traditional or casual and uplifting.
Choose the Venue: Book a location that reflects the interests or personality of your loved one.
Draft an Order of Service: Outline the itinerary, which generally includes welcoming remarks, eulogies, musical interludes, and readings.
Curate Personal Touches: Display photographs, play the deceased’s favorite music, or arrange symbolic acts like lighting candles or sharing a meal.
Writing a Tribute or Eulogy
When speaking or writing about a loved one, structure the tribute to be authentic and engaging:
Introduction: Acknowledge the guests and introduce your relationship to the departed.
Life Journey & Milestones: Briefly highlight who they were and their life journey without reading a strict biography.
Personal Memories: Share 1-2 specific anecdotes that highlight their character, humor, or unique traits.
Legacy & Farewell: Summarize the lessons they taught you or the impact they left on the community, ending with a message of love or a favorite [quote/poem].
CULTURAL SERVICES
Cultural services refer to the intangible, non-material benefits that societies and individuals obtain from their environments or through cultural and creative industries. These services are foundational to human well-being, driving social identity, cognitive development, mental health, and economic activity through community participation and environmental interaction.
The concept of cultural services generally spans two main categories:
1. Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES)
In environmental science, cultural services represent the non-material benefits humanity obtains from ecosystems. These are vital for conserving natural habitats and include:
Recreation & Tourism: Outdoor activities—such as hiking, cycling, and ecotourism—that provide physical and psychological health benefits.
Aesthetic Values: The inspiration derived from the beauty of natural landscapes, which fuels art, design, and architecture.
Spiritual & Religious Enrichment: Environments that hold sacred, religious, or deep reflective significance for communities, including Indigenous populations.
Education & Science: Ecosystems providing outdoor laboratories and spaces for cognitive development, formal learning, and scientific research.
Sense of Place & Heritage: The historical identity, belonging, and connection to lands and waters that communities pass down through generations.
2. Civic & Creative Cultural ServicesIn public policy and economics, cultural services denote the structured programs, facilities, and industries that facilitate cultural expression, preservation, and community enrichment. These include:
Arts & Performance: Publicly funded or community-led promotion of performing arts, visual arts, music, and cultural festivals.
Heritage Preservation: The maintenance and operation of museums, libraries, and documentation centers to preserve artifacts, books, and recordings.
Creative Industries: Audio-visual distribution, licensing, and creative development activities that sustain local economies and foster diverse forms of human expression.
Community Engagement: Workshops, heritage celebrations, and educational programs that bring different sections of society together.
Understanding and managing cultural services requires balancing human interactions with the sustainable development of both natural and built environments.
The concept of cultural services generally spans two main categories:
1. Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES)
In environmental science, cultural services represent the non-material benefits humanity obtains from ecosystems. These are vital for conserving natural habitats and include:
Recreation & Tourism: Outdoor activities—such as hiking, cycling, and ecotourism—that provide physical and psychological health benefits.
Aesthetic Values: The inspiration derived from the beauty of natural landscapes, which fuels art, design, and architecture.
Spiritual & Religious Enrichment: Environments that hold sacred, religious, or deep reflective significance for communities, including Indigenous populations.
Education & Science: Ecosystems providing outdoor laboratories and spaces for cognitive development, formal learning, and scientific research.
Sense of Place & Heritage: The historical identity, belonging, and connection to lands and waters that communities pass down through generations.
2. Civic & Creative Cultural ServicesIn public policy and economics, cultural services denote the structured programs, facilities, and industries that facilitate cultural expression, preservation, and community enrichment. These include:
Arts & Performance: Publicly funded or community-led promotion of performing arts, visual arts, music, and cultural festivals.
Heritage Preservation: The maintenance and operation of museums, libraries, and documentation centers to preserve artifacts, books, and recordings.
Creative Industries: Audio-visual distribution, licensing, and creative development activities that sustain local economies and foster diverse forms of human expression.
Community Engagement: Workshops, heritage celebrations, and educational programs that bring different sections of society together.
Understanding and managing cultural services requires balancing human interactions with the sustainable development of both natural and built environments.
MILITARY SERVICE
Military service involves the dedication of individuals to their country's armed forces, either voluntarily or through conscription. Its primary mission is to deter aggression, maintain national security, and defend national interests. In the United States, it is structured into co-equal branches operating under civilian leadership.
The Branches of ServiceThe U.S. military is divided into distinct branches, each with a specialized role in defending the nation:
Army: The oldest and largest branch, primarily focused on ground-based combat, land operations, and global security.
Marine Corps: A rapid-reaction force highly trained in expeditionary and amphibious warfare.
Navy: Operates primarily at sea, ensuring the freedom of international waters and projecting power globally.
Air Force: Dedicated to aerial and space warfare, maintaining air superiority, and rapid global mobility.
Space Force: The newest branch, organized to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force.
Coast Guard: Falls under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, focusing on maritime safety, border security, and law enforcement.
Components of Service
Service members fall into one of two primary categories, allowing for varying levels of commitment:
Active Duty: Full-time service members who live and work on military installations and deploy globally as needed.
Reserve and National Guard: Citizen-warriors who typically serve part-time (e.g., one weekend a month and two weeks a year) while maintaining civilian careers, though they can be activated during national emergencies.
The Branches of ServiceThe U.S. military is divided into distinct branches, each with a specialized role in defending the nation:
Army: The oldest and largest branch, primarily focused on ground-based combat, land operations, and global security.
Marine Corps: A rapid-reaction force highly trained in expeditionary and amphibious warfare.
Navy: Operates primarily at sea, ensuring the freedom of international waters and projecting power globally.
Air Force: Dedicated to aerial and space warfare, maintaining air superiority, and rapid global mobility.
Space Force: The newest branch, organized to protect U.S. and allied interests in space and provide space capabilities to the joint force.
Coast Guard: Falls under the Department of Homeland Security during peacetime, focusing on maritime safety, border security, and law enforcement.
Components of Service
Service members fall into one of two primary categories, allowing for varying levels of commitment:
Active Duty: Full-time service members who live and work on military installations and deploy globally as needed.
Reserve and National Guard: Citizen-warriors who typically serve part-time (e.g., one weekend a month and two weeks a year) while maintaining civilian careers, though they can be activated during national emergencies.
Personalized Celebrations
We are here to help you customize any of our services to better express the unique aspects of your loved one's life. Please get in touch with us so we can help.
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