Cremation Costs in Hawaii

As the cost of traditional funerals continues to rise, many families in Hawaii are turning to cremation as a more affordable and flexible alternative. Hawaii has one of the highest cremation rates in the United States, and several cremation options are available to families—deciding which type of cremation service is required is important.

DFS Memorials is a nationwide network of independent local cremation providers. Visit the Hawaii resource page to explore providers and cremation prices near you.

The most economical service is known as a “direct cremation,” where the deceased is taken into the care of a funeral home/cremation provider, all the necessary legal paperwork is completed, and the body is then cremated. There is generally no viewing or service with a direct cremation.

What are the different types of cremation service options and costs in Hawaii?

There are 3 main types of cremation choices available to families in Hawaii, and we have outlined the differences below.

Direct Cremation – a direct cremation involves the immediate cremation of the deceased without a formal funeral service being held. This basic type of cremation service has become popular due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. In Hawaii, the average cost for a direct cremation is approximately $1,547*.

However, it is crucial to note that prices can vary significantly depending on the location, with providers on Oahu (Honolulu) generally offering more competition and choice than the neighbor islands of Maui, Hawaii Island (Hilo and Kona), and Kauai — where fewer crematories and inter-island transportation can add to the cost.

This discrepancy can be attributed to factors such as increased competition, higher population density, and greater availability of cremation facilities.

Cremation Memorial Service – a cremation memorial typically refers to cremation taking place prior to a memorial service. The memorial service can be held at the funeral home, chapel, church, place of worship, or at any chosen location. Some families today choose to hold memorial services at community venues or at the beach.

The memorial service will usually be held with the cremation urn present as a focal tribute to the deceased. However, memorial services are also held without the cremated remains present.

It is not as simple to give an overview of cremation memorial services’ costs, as the ‘variable’ of the memorial service will dictate the final cost. Much will depend on whether the memorial service is conducted by the funeral home and other ancillary services. Such as the type of cremation urn selected, flowers, photographs, and other tribute materials.

As a guide, a Cremation Memorial Service in Hawaii can cost between $2,800 – $6,500.

Full-Service Cremation Funeral – This type of service is a full-service funeral, with the cremation conducted after the funeral service. Some families want to hold a visitation, wake, or formal funeral ceremony, even if they choose cremation.

A viewing, visitation, or vigil can be held at the funeral home. Family and friends can gather for a funeral service, typically with the deceased present. Following the funeral ritual, the deceased is transferred to the crematory for cremation, and the cremation ashes are then returned to the family.

This type of cremation service is like a traditional funeral service, except the deceased is cremated after the ceremony and services instead of being transferred to the cemetery for burial.

This option enables a family to have all the traditional funeral rituals without the additional expense of cemetery plot costs. Or a family may have a cemetery plot where they wish to inter the cremated remains.

As a guide, a Full Service Cremation Funeral in Hawaii typically ranges from $5,000 to $8,000 or more.

Understanding average cremation costs in Hawaii today

As discussed, cremation service costs vary depending on the type of cremation service and the cremation service provider. So, quoting “average” costs can be difficult. One provider can charge around $1,100 for a direct cremation, yet another will charge $3,365 or more for a direct cremation.

They are both offering the exact same service. Meaning the higher end of the pricing spectrum can skew an “average” price for a direct cremation.

Summary – Cremation Options & Costs

• Cremation services have gained popularity as cremation offers a much more affordable death care alternative. Whether cost is the driving factor or families and individuals want a simple, flexible, and more creative option, direct cremation offers an affordable alternative.
• Direct cremation offers families an extremely cost-effective option to manage an immediate death or preplan for a simple cremation.
• Choosing cremation means that a family can personalize memorialization. There are many options for conducting a memorial service and creating memorial artifacts from cremated remains.

Direct cremation

Pros:

• Offers the most economical cremation option.
• Can eliminate many ancillary funeral expenses.
• Can be arranged without the need to visit the funeral home for arrangement.
• It is easy to make arrangements from out-of-state & have cremated remains shipped to the family for a memorial service elsewhere.
• Allows for the disposition of a body to be handled in a quick yet dignified manner. And enables the family to postpone a funeral memorial service until later.

Cons:

• May require the family to submit online forms with the information required to process the cremation. This often helps a direct cremation provider collate data and manage staff arrangement time/costs.
• The cremated remains are usually returned in a temporary cardboard container unless you choose to add a cremation urn to your direct cremation service package.

Cremation Memorial Service

Pros:

• A family can still gather for a ceremony, but as the cremation is conducted first, the time frame for holding a memorial service is more flexible.
• Memorial services can be uniquely personalized, allowing the family to be creative in the design of a service.
• Offers a more affordable funeral celebration/ritual event.

Cons:

• As Memorial services, or a Life Celebration Memorial, can get quite creative, the ancillary costs for the memorialization can easily escalate.

Traditional Cremation Service

Pros:

• A funeral service is held at the time of passing and can help families to say goodbye.
• It will cost less than a traditional burial service.
• More funeral homes offer rental caskets for a cremation service to help reduce casket expenses.

Cons:

• As you are conducting a traditional service with the help of a funeral director, it can be easy to find that ancillary expenses can add up.
• A traditional cremation service is generally held fairly soon after the deceased passes. A direct cremation or cremation memorial can enable the family to defer the need for immediate services.

What Can You Do with Cremation Ashes in Hawaii?

After a cremation service, a family has several options for what to do with the cremation ashes. This may depend on their preferences and beliefs. Or the costs associated with cremation memorialization choices.

Listed below are the main options for you to consider:

1. Keep the ashes at home: Many families choose to keep the ashes in an urn or a special container at home. This allows them to create a comforting presence and keep their loved ones nearby. Some families even choose to display the ashes in a special area or create a memorial space.

2. Bury the ashes: Families can choose to bury the ashes in a cemetery or a designated burial plot. This provides a more permanent resting place and allows for future visits and remembrance. In addition to cemetery burial plots, many cemeteries now offer dedicated cremation columbarium niches and bespoke memorial scattering gardens. Some gardens offer small plaques or benches to create a long-lasting tribute.

3. Scatter the ashes: Scattering the ashes can be a meaningful way to honor the deceased’s memory, and scattering cremation ashes at sea is an especially popular and culturally meaningful choice in Hawaii. Ocean scattering is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): cremated remains must be released at least three nautical miles from shore, and the event must be reported to the EPA within 30 days using its free online reporting tool. Flowers and wreaths placed on the water must be readily biodegradable — no plastics, metals, or non-decomposable urns. Many charter operators on each island offer dedicated ocean scattering trips.

These are just a few suggestions, and it ultimately depends on the family’s wishes and cultural or religious practices. It may be helpful to consult a funeral director, who can provide guidance and support as you decide.

Remember that there is no timeframe for when or how to memorialize a loved one. So, if you are unsure, do not make a rushed decision.

What Hawaii Legislation Governs the Requirements for Cremation Arrangements?

Hawaii regulates the funeral and cremation industry differently from most states. Notably, Hawaii is one of the few states that does not license funeral directors or embalmers, and there is no state funeral directors board. Instead, oversight is shared: the Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA), through its Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO), regulates cemetery and pre-need funeral authorities, while the Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) handles death registration, disposition permits, and sanitation requirements.

The main key points are:

Authorization: Before a cremation can occur, the person with the legal authority to make decisions regarding the deceased’s remains must provide written authorization. This is generally referred to as the Cremation Authorization.

Permit for disposition: A burial-transit (disposition) permit is required before cremation. In Hawaii this permit is issued by the local registrar of the Department of Health, generally within 72 hours of death, once the death has been registered. The funeral home or crematory typically handles this process.

Timing: Under Hawaii health rules, a body must be embalmed, cremated, buried, or placed in refrigeration within 30 hours of death.

Identification: Hawaii requires that the deceased be properly identified and tracked throughout the entire cremation process. This helps ensure the correct remains are returned to the family.

Documentation: Detailed records must be maintained throughout the entire cremation process, including information about the identity of the deceased, the date and time of the cremation, and any medical devices or implants present.

Cremation container requirements: Hawaii law does not require the use of a casket for cremation. Families have the option to use a simple container made of combustible materials, such as a cardboard casket or an alternative container specifically designed for cremation. The choice of container may depend on personal preference or any specific requirements set by the funeral home or crematory.

Crematory requirements: Crematories must meet specific standards and obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate legally in Hawaii.

Disposition of remains: After the cremation, the cremains must be properly handled in accordance with the wishes of the deceased or their authorized representative.

It’s important to note that these requirements may vary slightly depending on the specific funeral home or crematory. It’s advisable to consult with a licensed cremation provider to fully understand the legal requirements and procedures for cremation in Hawaii.

Do you have to employ a funeral director for a direct cremation? Can the family deal directly with the crematory?

Because Hawaii does not license funeral directors, the law does not require you to involve one in making or carrying out final arrangements. A family may make arrangements directly.

However, some crematories in Hawaii require you to work with a mortuary or funeral establishment to arrange cremation. If you wish to deal directly with a crematory, you should make sure it is willing to accept the body directly from the family.

If you choose to carry out final arrangements yourself, you will need to complete and file the death certificate. In Hawaii, the death must be registered within three days after death and before final disposition. The attending physician or medical examiner certifies the cause of death, and the local registrar then issues the disposition permit.

How long does it take for a cremation in Hawaii?

Hawaii does not impose a fixed statutory waiting period before cremation. However, a body must be embalmed, cremated, buried, or refrigerated within 30 hours of death, and the death must be registered and the cause of death certified before a disposition permit is issued. The process to complete the legally required paperwork usually takes at least 24 hours. So, it is fair to say that it is usually 3–7 days for a cremation to be performed. (Longer if there are any issues with consent or issuing a death certificate.)

The deceased will be sheltered in refrigerated storage during this time. A direct cremation service package generally includes refrigeration for up to 10–14 days. There may be an additional daily fee for refrigeration if the funeral home has to store the deceased for longer.

The Cremation Process

The body is placed in a cremation chamber, also known as a retort. The chamber is heated to a high temperature (typically around 1,600 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit) using flames, gases, or a combination of both. This process reduces the body to bone fragments, which are then further processed into cremated remains or ashes.

After the cremation process is complete and the remains have cooled, the ashes are carefully collected from the chamber. Any metal or other non-combustible items, such as surgical implants or jewelry, are removed from the ashes. The ashes are processed to ensure that they are finely ground and free of any remaining fragments.

The processed cremation ashes are then placed in a temporary container or an urn, as chosen by the family or provided by the funeral home.

What is the least expensive cremation service in Hawaii?

Direct cremation is your least expensive cremation option. This is when cremation is carried out without a service or ceremony. It is a simple, dignified cremation of the deceased with minimal ‘fuss’ and at a minimal cost.

The cremated remains are returned to the next of kin after everything has been taken care of. A family can hold a memorial service if they wish when they are ready, which can even be conducted at home or at the beach for much less.

Direct cremation takes care of the immediate need to handle the disposition of the deceased. Still, it can also enable the family to defer a memorial service or craft their own bespoke family farewell memorial tribute.

Are there any extra fees added to a low-cost cremation service package?

The service charge for a direct cremation is listed on the funeral provider’s General Price List. This should include the basic services of the funeral director, collection and transfer of the deceased, completing the legal paperwork, and conducting the cremation. It usually includes a simple cardboard cremation container and a temporary urn.

The provider will pay third-party fees to obtain the death certificate and pay for any permit charges. These are third-party fees that are added to the direct cremation service fee.

The fee for a certified death certificate is $10.00 for the first copy in Hawaii and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time (a small processing fee also applies). The record must be registered within three days of the death.

You may require more than one death certificate, as you must send them off to multiple institutions, organizations, or government offices simultaneously.

Most authorities that require evidence of death, such as a life insurance company, will require an original copy of a death certificate. Certified copies of a death certificate are usually available within ten days after the death.

Additional copies of a death certificate can be obtained from the Hawaii Department of Health, Vital Records.

There can also be additional charges if any of the below services are required:

• Residential collection
• Removal of a pacemaker
• Overweight surcharge (above 250 pounds)
• Family arrangement consultation
• Inter-island or mainland transportation of the deceased
• Mailing of cremated remains

What about a “no-cost” cremation in Hawaii?

What is sometimes called a “free” cremation or “no-cost” cremation is a whole-body donation. Once the donation is performed, the remains are cremated free of charge. However, in some cases, there are costs associated with transporting the deceased and obtaining death certificates.

Donating your body to medical science has been an end-of-life choice for some time now. However, it has certainly gained more popularity in recent times. For many, it now seems a valuable disposition method, so it is commonly called an “anatomical gift.”

In Hawaii, whole-body donation is offered through the University of Hawaii’s medical school.

University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) – Willed Body Program, 651 Ilalo Street, BSB 119B, Honolulu, HI 96813. Phone: (808) 692-1445. Email: [email protected]. Click here for more information.

Do understand that an anatomical donation cannot always be accepted at the time of death. It can be affected by the needs of medical and research institutions at the time and transportation services. It is best to register in advance and confirm current acceptance directly with the program.

Visit our Body Donation page to read further about this option.

Does Hawaii offer any financial assistance towards cremation costs?

Hawaii offers limited, means-tested help through the Department of Human Services (DHS), Med-QUEST Division “Death Payments” program. This can assist with funeral or burial costs for a person who was receiving, or was eligible for, state medical or financial assistance at the time of death. A certified death certificate is required, and the application is made on DHS Form 1163. Benefit amounts are limited, so it is best to confirm current eligibility and payment details directly with Med-QUEST.

Federal Resources: Social Security may pay a $255 lump-sum death benefit if qualifying, and certain veterans’ benefits are available.

What happens if I cannot pay for a cremation in Hawaii?

As covered above, there are Federal and State programs the family can explore if the deceased and surviving family are eligible. The responsibility to pay the funeral bill falls to the immediate next of kin if the deceased had no pre-paid funeral plan or life insurance. This can be very stressful if you lose a family member and become responsible for the funeral arrangements without any resources.

Find Social Services Departments in Hawaii

Check out this guide to What to do if I cannot afford a funeral to learn about other possible funding and charity organizations.

What happens if the deceased is at the Medical Examiner’s morgue in Hawaii?

Hawaii uses a county-based system. On Oahu, the City and County of Honolulu Department of the Medical Examiner serves as the coroner. On the neighbor islands — Maui, Hawaii, and Kauai counties — the county chief of police serves as the ex-officio coroner, assisted by a qualified physician.

If the deceased is in the care of the medical examiner or coroner, you must arrange for a funeral director or mortuary to collect the body once the release is signed. You must authorize them to collect your loved one and transfer him or her into their care.

As most providers deal with the medical examiner’s office regularly, and the office issues the authorization and permit to cremate, this can make the arrangements easier. For this reason, some providers can offer a budget direct cremation when handling remains from the Medical Examiner.

How to Make a Complaint if you are dissatisfied with a Cremation Service Provider

If you had a bad experience with a cremation service in Hawaii, it is important to notify the correct authorities. This way, appropriate action can be taken, and other consumers can be protected. Below are some steps you can take to register a complaint.

1. Gather information: Firstly, ensure you have all the necessary details about the cremation provider, such as their name, address, and contact information. Additionally, note down the specifics of your complaint and any supporting documentation you may have.

2. Contact the provider: Start by contacting the cremation provider directly. Explain your concerns and see if they can address and resolve the issue to your satisfaction. If they are unresponsive or you are not satisfied with their response, proceed to the next step.

3. File a complaint with the Hawaii DCCA: Because Hawaii does not license funeral directors, complaints are handled by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. For cemetery and pre-need funeral matters, contact the Regulated Industries Complaints Office (RICO). You can file a complaint with RICO online.

Do note: The regulator can generally only take action within the scope of the industries it oversees. If the complaint concerns a dispute regarding cremation fees, note that the state has no jurisdiction over the fee amount charged, only the mandated disclosure of the fee, as per the FTC Funeral Rule.

If your complaint is regarding fees charged or any other consumer issue, you may wish to make a formal complaint to the Federal Trade Commission. You can file a complaint with the FTC online or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (382-4357).

The FTC cannot resolve individual problems for consumers, but it can act against a funeral/cremation company if it sees a pattern of law violations.

4. File a complaint with the Hawaii Office of Consumer Protection: For unfair or deceptive business practices, you can also contact the DCCA Office of Consumer Protection (OCP), which handles general consumer complaints in Hawaii.

5. Seek legal advice: If the issue remains unresolved, or you feel further action should be taken, you might consider consulting with an attorney specializing in funeral law or consumer protection. They can provide legal guidance and help you explore your options for further action.

If you have further questions about cremation services or costs in Hawaii that we have not answered, please get in touch with us. We are here to assist you.