Overlooking Glass Beach, the historic McBryde Sugar Plantation Cemetery is a testament to Kauai’s bygone sugar plantation workers.
- Situated on a hill overlooking Glass Beach at Port Allen, Kauai.
- The cemetery served as a burial ground for workers of the McBryde Sugar Plantation, in operation from 1899 to the 1980s.
- The cemetery features gravestones in both Japanese and English, reflecting the diverse workforce of the plantation.
- Map: Google Maps
The McBryde Sugar Plantation Cemetery is a small, historic burial ground for workers of the sugar plantation, located on a hill above Glass Beach in Eleele, Hawaii, and recently rediscovered after decades of neglect. This serene, hillside cemetery offers a glimpse into the lives of the men and women who toiled in the sugar fields. Weathered gravestones, some rather ornate, bear inscriptions in both English and Japanese, reflecting the diverse workforce that fueled the sugar industry. Many of the graves date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period of significant Japanese immigration to Hawaii.
In 2013, local resident Debrah Davis found the cemetery buried in undergrowth, and she worked to clear the overgrown weeds and grass from the grounds. Her work has led to the cemetery becoming somewhat of a historical attraction. The cemetery attracts curious Glass Beach visitors fascinated by the unique gravestones, as well as people of Japanese descent who have ties to people buried in the cemetery.
To visit the cemetery, turn left on Aka Ula Street located just past the Port Allen Marina Center (check in site for Na Pali Coast cruises). Once you pass through an industrial area, the road becomes a dirt road. Very shortly, you will see Glass Beach and beyond the beach on the hill is the cemetery.
While the cemetery offers a unique historical perspective, it’s crucial to approach it with respect. This is a sacred space, and visitors are encouraged to tread lightly on their visit.
McBryde Sugar Plantation Cemetery Photos
