45-390 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744
For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973
The experiences shared about Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery and its affiliated funeral services reveal a company that can impress with warmth, professionalism, and beautiful surroundings, while also falling short in some operational areas. Across many accounts, families praised the staff for their empathy, patience, and willingness to help plan and coordinate memorials from far away locations. Karen, in particular, stood out to several reviewers for presenting options clearly and sharing precise locations for plots and services, making the initial discussions feel thoughtful and individualized. The impressions of care and capability are reinforced by many reviewers who described the grounds as lovely, the staff as friendly and knowledgeable, and the overall process as something that can be managed with relatively little stress when conversations go smoothly.
On the site, several individuals highlighted specific staff members who made meaningful differences in their experiences. John was repeatedly commended for his helpfulness in coordinating and planning funeral arrangements, earning gratitude for his reliable follow-through. David Zimmerman was singled out for his professionalism, courtesy, and comprehensive guidance on plot choices, finance questions, and other sensitive matters - his responsiveness and understanding were repeatedly described as going "above and beyond" expectations. In multiple anecdotes, Merley was specifically praised for being supportive and patient through difficult times, with references to her kindness and willingness to work at the family's pace. The combination of these personal touches - clear explanations, compassionate listening, and steady guidance - helped many families feel supported during an emotionally trying period.
Yet, alongside these heartfelt testimonials, there are equally persistent concerns about how some tasks are managed and communicated. The most troubling account centers on a memory vase for a mother's grave, a custom order that a family paid over a thousand dollars for in late April. They were initially told the process would take 3?4 months, but as of October they were still waiting and continuing to use a temporary plastic vase. The family described a cascade of missteps: in mid-July, they discovered that an additional form needed to be signed, which was not sent to them on time; they signed late, and the staff apologized and promised a rushed process. The family was told to expect updates in August, but no follow-up call materialized, and by late September they were informed that the vase might take six months or more, a significantly longer timeline than initially promised. In their recounting, Maggie's role became a focal point of frustration: she acknowledged the missing form and apologized, but the ongoing delays, inconsistent updates, and delays attributed to form-related hold-ups left the family feeling that communication had not kept pace with their expectations. The reviewer described the experience as marked by "poor communication and unfulfilled promises," a sentiment echoed by others who emphasized that timely updates and proactive follow-through are essential in such sensitive circumstances.
The communication gaps continued to unfold in late September, with repeated assurances of calls that did not come, followed by more explanations about the vase's availability and the possibility of a lengthier production timeline. By October 1, the family was still awaiting a concrete status and was reminded that memory vases can take six months or longer. This ongoing back-and-forth stood in stark contrast to the consistently positive experiences described by other reviewers, underscoring how one ongoing issue - paired with delayed responses - can overshadow even otherwise excellent service and facilities. The contrast is telling: for many families, the staff's genuine kindness and the site's beauty create a strong sense of trust, but for this one case, the lack of timely, reliable updates about a key keepsake has left a sour note in an otherwise heartfelt memorial journey.
Beyond the vase situation, many reviewers shared glowing impressions of the cemetery's environment and staff performance in other realms. The grounds themselves were described as "amazingly beautiful," with ocean and mountain views and well-maintained landscaping that contributed to a sense of peace during visits or burials. There were positive comments about practical matters and services as well: turn-key memorial services were praised as "one phone call, no stress," with Barbara Zeisel highlighted as a skilled planning manager who could work within budgets and help families pre-plan. The overall tone for many interactions was one of respect, care, and competence, with multiple reports of staff who listened, explained options in understandable terms, and helped families navigate the emotional and logistical complexities of funeral planning.
In some accounts, the experience extended beyond the immediate family to the broader process of locating and commemorating loved ones. One reviewer described the help received in tracing ancestors and finding relatives buried at the site, noting how a friendly, knowledgeable attendant helped locate locations quickly and even offered to guide them - a small detail that made a big difference for someone traveling from the mainland to Hawaii for a memorial. The cemetery was also recognized for its community-oriented atmosphere, with mentions of sections dedicated to police officers and thoughtful planning resources that families could download and review in advance to expedite in-person meetings. The combination of accessibility, clear information, and a welcoming environment reinforced the impression that Hawaiian Memorial Park serves as an important, supportive community hub for those coping with loss.
There were also candid notes about logistical hiccups that colored some visits. One review recounted a significant disruption during a grandfather's funeral - water to the main chapel and dining area was shut off, and a single restroom serving over 100 people posed a real challenge. There were no public apologies or explanations given at the time, which compounded the stress for those already navigating an emotionally charged day. This incident stands apart from the otherwise consistently supportive and empathetic demeanor described by many other staff interactions, reminding readers that even well-regarded institutions can face operational strains that affect visitors' experiences.
Taken together, the mix of experiences paints a nuanced portrait. Hawaiian Memorial Park Cemetery and its team excel at delivering compassionate, attentive support and presenting a beautiful, respectful environment for memorials. Individuals like Karen, John, David Zimmerman, Merley, and others are repeatedly praised for their personal warmth and expertise. At the same time, some families encounter significant frustrations related to delays, form handling, and follow-up communications - issues that can overshadow the positive elements of care and beauty that define many of these visits. For anyone planning a funeral or memorial, the message appears clear: you will likely encounter genuinely caring professionals and a serene setting, but it is wise to stay proactive about paperwork, timelines, and regular check-ins to ensure updates are timely and aligned with expectations. The overall impression remains that the cemetery is a well-loved, supportive place for honoring loved ones, with room to tighten communication and consistency in administrative processes to match the high standards of its people and grounds.
Suenaga II is an exceptional assisted living community located in the beautiful town of Kaneohe, HI. Our community offers a range of amenities and care services to ensure the comfort and well-being of our residents.
Our spacious dining room provides a welcoming environment for meals, which are prepared and served by our dedicated staff. Residents can enjoy delicious, chef-prepared meals that cater to special dietary restrictions. Additionally, our caring team provides assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and transfers.
The community is fully furnished and includes outdoor spaces where residents can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. We also provide housekeeping services to keep each resident's living space clean and tidy.
At Suenaga II, we prioritize the health and safety of our residents. Therefore, we offer medication management services and work closely with healthcare providers to coordinate any necessary medical treatments or appointments. Our staff is trained to accommodate diabetes diets and other special dietary restrictions.
Our location is conveniently surrounded by essential amenities such as cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians' offices, restaurants, places of worship, and hospitals. In addition to these amenities within close proximity to our community, we also provide transportation arrangements for medical needs or doctor's appointments.
We believe in promoting an active lifestyle for our residents. Therefore, we schedule a variety of daily activities to engage their minds and bodies.
Suenaga II strives to provide a comfortable and nurturing environment where seniors can enjoy their golden years while receiving the care they need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can meet your loved one's unique needs in assisted living in Kaneohe!
Suenaga II is located at 45-390 Kamehameha Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744 in Honolulu County, Hawaii
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