Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site and Archives (HMH) and co-sponsor Oʻahu Cemetery Association are proud to announce the return of Cemetery Pūpū Theatre — one of Honolulu's most distinctive and beloved living history events — for two long weekends in June 2026. This year marks the program's 15th anniversary.

Who were the people who built the social fabric of Hawaiʻi? Step into the graveyard — and into history. This year's O’ahu Cemetery Pūpū Theatre, themed Caring for Our Community, honors five remarkable individuals whose lives of service, healing, and advocacy helped shape the islands we know today. As evening falls over the storied grounds of Oʻahu Cemetery, skilled performers portray Maria Jane Chamberlain Forbes, Dr. Iga Mōri, Lucy Kaiaka Ward, Emily Whitney Alexander Baldwin, and James Arthur Rath — each one a vital thread in the enduring tapestry of Hawaiʻi's social history.

Rooted in original archival research and brought to life through intimate gravesite portrayals, O’ahu Cemetery Pūpū Theatre has earned more than 15 Poʻokela Awards since its 2011 debut. There is nothing else quite like it in Honolulu.

EVENT DETAILS

What: Cemetery Pūpū Theatre: Caring for Our Community

When: Thursday- Saturday, June 11, 12, 13 & June 18, 19, 20, 2026

Time: 5:00 p.m. (Doors open at the cemetery chapel — drinks and pūpū as the sun sets over Nuʻuanu) | 6:00 p.m. (Performances begin promptly, followed by Q&A with performers)

Where: Oʻahu Cemetery 2162 Nuʻuanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817

Admission: $60 per person — includes one drink ticket and choice of bento dinner box (fish, meat, or vegetarian). Additional drinks available for purchase (cash bar only).

For information and tickets, visit missionhouses.org/events/cemeterypuputheatre