Overlooking Glass Beach near Port Allen, the historic McBryde Sugar Plantation Cemetery stands as a quiet testament to Kauai’s plantation-era past and the workers who shaped it.
Perched on a hillside above the shoreline near Port Allen (map), this small burial ground once served employees of the McBryde Sugar Plantation, which operated from the 1890s through the 1980s. Today, the cemetery offers a rare and poignant window into the lives of those who labored in the island’s sugar fields.
Weathered gravestones—some simple, others more ornate—bear inscriptions in both English and Japanese, reflecting the diverse workforce that powered Hawaii’s sugar industry. Many of the burials date to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a period marked by significant Japanese immigration to the islands.
After decades of neglect, the cemetery was rediscovered in 2013 by local resident Debrah Davis, who found it hidden beneath dense overgrowth. Through her efforts to clear the site, the cemetery has reemerged as a place of quiet historical reflection. Today, it draws curious visitors from nearby Glass Beach, as well as individuals of Japanese descent seeking connections to those laid to rest there.
Reaching the cemetery requires a short but slightly rugged drive. From Port Allen Marina Center—known as a departure point for Na Pali Coast cruises—turn onto Aka Ula Street. The road passes through an industrial area before transitioning into a dirt path. Soon after, Glass Beach comes into view, and the cemetery can be seen on the hillside beyond.
While the site offers a compelling glimpse into Kauai’s past, it remains a sacred resting place. Visitors are encouraged to approach with respect, tread carefully, and honor the history and individuals it represents.
