Aquamation (Water Cremation) in Hawaii (2026): Legal Status, Providers & Costs

In Hawai‘i, water is not just scenery—it is relationship. That is one reason more families are asking about aquamation, also called water cremation Hawaii or alkaline hydrolysis Hawaii: a lower-flame alternative to traditional cremation that many describe as quieter and gentler. If you are searching is aquamation legal in Hawaii or aquamation cost Hawaii, you are likely trying to make a practical decision under emotional pressure. This guide is designed to help with that decision—and with the next set of choices that follow, from funeral planning to selecting cremation urns for ashes, deciding whether keeping ashes at home feels right, and exploring a ceremony tied to the ocean.

Why aquamation is showing up in more family decisions

Cremation is now the majority choice in the United States, which is why families are seeing more “cremation-adjacent” options discussed alongside flame cremation. According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the U.S. cremation rate is projected to reach 63.4% in 2025 and 82.3% by 2045. As that share grows, families increasingly want choices that match personal values—environmental concerns, faith traditions, or simply what feels emotionally “right” for a particular death and a particular family.

What aquamation is, and what you receive back

Aquamation is the common name for alkaline hydrolysis. The body is placed in a specialized chamber with water and an alkaline solution; heat (and, in some systems, pressure or agitation) accelerates decomposition. The National Funeral Directors Association explains that the remaining bone is processed into a fine powder similar to cremated ashes. The Cremation Association of North America similarly describes alkaline hydrolysis as a water-and-alkali process that leaves bone fragments and a neutral liquid called effluent.

Families usually care most about one plain question: “Will we still receive ashes?” Yes. After aquamation, the remains returned are the processed bone mineral—an ash-like powder—typically placed in a temporary container or urn. From there, the choices look familiar: an urn for home, keepsakes for sharing, jewelry, scattering, or placement in a cemetery or columbarium.

Is aquamation legal in Hawaii in 2026?

Yes. Hawai‘i has legalized water cremation / alkaline hydrolysis. The University of Hawai‘i’s Essential Elder Law Handbook summarizes the statutory change and includes definitions that treat “water cremation” as alkaline hydrolysis. If you want to see statutory definitions directly, you can review the definition section in Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 531B (definitions) (via Justia).

One important distinction: legal status does not automatically mean broad access. Aquamation requires specialized equipment, trained operators, and facility compliance. Your best next step is to ask a provider how aquamation is handled operationally: is it performed in-house, through a partner facility, or not currently offered?

Providers and availability: what families can expect on the islands

In 2026, availability in Hawai‘i may still be limited compared to mainland markets. Some funeral homes can only offer aquamation if they have access to an operating alkaline hydrolysis unit; others may be preparing to offer it but are not fully operational yet.

There are signs of growing in-state capacity. A 2025 project proposal published by the State of Hawai‘i’s Office of the Governor describes the Alaula Life Foundation’s plan to establish a nonprofit water cremation facility in Honolulu, including equipment installation and operator training, with pilot operations targeted for late 2026 if milestones are met. You can read the project summary in the State of Hawai‘i Office of the Governor proposal document.

Some providers also publish aquamation information directly. For example, Aloha Mortuary has shared a page describing water cremation. Treat any online mention as a starting point, then confirm the details by phone: whether the process is performed in Hawai‘i, what the timeline is, and what transportation is required—especially if you are on a neighbor island.

Aquamation cost in Hawaii: how to compare quotes clearly

Most families begin with one urgent question: how much does cremation cost—and how will aquamation compare? Aquamation pricing depends on the same major drivers as cremation (transportation, permits, timing, whether you want services), plus whether the provider has in-house access to specialized equipment. In markets with limited access, aquamation can price similarly to cremation or carry a premium tied to equipment and capacity.

The best way to avoid “apples to oranges” comparisons is to insist on itemized clarity. The Federal Trade Commission explains that funeral providers must give a General Price List (GPL) to anyone who asks in person about funeral goods, services, or pricing. Ask for the GPL and confirm what is included in the quote: transfer of care, refrigeration, permits, death certificates, and the container used to return the ashes.

For a calm reference that translates pricing language, Funeral.com’s Journal guide Aquamation vs. Flame Cremation Cost explains typical variables, and How Much Does Cremation Cost? helps families compare direct disposition vs. cremation with services.

Planning what happens next: urns, keepsakes, jewelry, and water

Choosing cremation urns for ashes

Because you still receive cremated remains after aquamation, many families find themselves searching for cremation urns and cremation urns for ashes soon after the disposition decision. If you are starting broad, Funeral.com’s Cremation Urns for Ashes collection is designed to help families browse by material and style. If your plan includes sharing or a smaller home memorial, Small Cremation Urns for Ashes and Keepsake Cremation Urns for Ashes include options often described as small cremation urns and keepsake urns. For step-by-step help connecting urn type to placement, see How to Choose a Cremation Urn.

Keeping ashes at home

For many families, keeping ashes at home is a respectful “home base” while the long-term plan becomes clear. If you want practical safety guidance—placement, household dynamics, humidity, and what to do if children or pets are present—see Keeping Ashes at Home: A Practical Safety Guide.

Keepsake urns and cremation jewelry

When different family members want different timelines, sharing options can reduce pressure. keepsake urns hold small portions of ashes; cremation jewelry does the same in a wearable form. If you are exploring cremation necklaces, start with Funeral.com’s Cremation Necklaces collection and the guide Cremation Jewelry 101.

Water burial and what to do with ashes in Hawai‘i

If the ocean is part of your family’s story, water burial may feel like a natural memorial direction. Funeral.com’s Water Burial Planning guide walks through the decisions that make the day feel peaceful. For broader ideas—including ways to keep, share, or scatter—see What to Do With Cremation Ashes, especially if your family is balancing “not ready yet” with “we want a plan.”

A note for pet urns

If you are also grieving a pet, the same questions show up in a smaller form. Funeral.com’s Pet Cremation Urns for Ashes collection includes pet urns, pet urns for ashes, and other pet cremation urns, including pet figurine cremation urns and pet keepsake cremation urns. For guidance on sizing and choosing, see Pet Urns for Ashes: A Complete Guide.

The key questions to ask before you choose aquamation

• Is aquamation performed in-house in Hawai‘i, or through a partner facility? If through a partner, where is the alkaline hydrolysis unit located?
• What is the expected timeline from transfer of care to return of the ashes, and what could cause delays?
• What is included in the quoted price (transport, permits, death certificates, temporary container or urn, and any inter-island transport)?
• How will the ashes be returned, and approximately what volume should we plan for when selecting an urn?
• If our plan includes scattering or water burial, what guidance can you provide about timing and location considerations?

FAQs