We wanted a close gathering before the cremation. Hearing many positive things about them, I'm…read moreextremely glad we chose Homelani. Josh, the director mentioned that some people decorate cardboard coffin they offer for cremation. (other coffins could be chosen) It was so therapeutic for us to draw and write memories which many loved ones contributed on the box. This experience was supported in every way by Josh the Director, and, Porsha, and the other staff. Everyone was supportive, low key, and made what could have been difficult easy. The little chapel with a beautiful stained glass of the Good Samaritan feels non denominational. No minister was needed as we said our own goodbyes. Homelani also seems to be the least costly in Hilo, yet it is the cemetery where notable people from Hawaii's pre-statehood past are buried. Mahalo to them.

My mother just passed away and Porscha was beyond helpful getting my mom's ashes. I appreciate her…read morevery much. If anyone is looking to get a loved one cremated I highly recommend going through Homalani

On March 26, 2017 we lost my beautiful, amazing and lively grandma. And on April 12, 2017, we…read moreburied her here at Alae Cemetery. We were surprised to find that my grandma had started preparing for this when she was 40 years old. From picking a casket, to funding her luncheon after the burial. We found that she also has two daughters, who had passed away when they were a couple days old, buried at Alae Cemetery. My grandmas plot is right between her two daughters. It also sits in the very front of the property and if it weren't for the trees and the houses across the street ... you'd be able to see the ocean very clearly. Still ... its a very beautiful and serene spot. The whole property is actually very very well managed. Didn't see any signs of neglect here as you would with some of the cemetery's here on Oahu. There were no head stones that were broken or looked as if it was vandalized. It was very very clean. And it didn't seem like it, but this place is huge!! There is a huge tree that sits in the middle of the property. And I noticed that they have some sections with signs indicating 'Korean' or 'Japanese'. I'm still in awe on how well kept it is. It's a nice change to see. The staff made it as easy for us as they possibly could. They were attentive to our many questions and concerns, and never once made it seem like it was a hassle. If anything, they showed so much respect for our family that it was genuinely appreciated by us all. Thank you for helping us lay my grandma to her final resting place. She is exactly where she wants to be. I am looking forward to my next visit. 9/100 Challenge 2017

was driving to Hilo and stopped here because spotted this huge amazing tree .. I am a cemetary nerd…read moreanyway but mainly just looked at the tree for a bit and took some pics. I gather it's a monkey pod tree .. either way it's really unusual and very cool. there was a couple mongoose running around too.

Very competent and caring. They walked me through all the steps of planning the cremation of my…read morefamily member with compassion.

Dodo Mortuary gave the Death Certificate of Miyuki Carr to a non-family member allowing that person…read moreaccess our deceased relatives bank accounts. This person's word was taken at face value that they were a relative because they are Asian. They are not Next of Kin, we are and Judge Kubota and my attorney in California will prove it. You cannot do that to people-

Well, this is not your everyday type of buy. And when you do need it, you expect the service to be…read moreon point. My sister got a price listing on grave markers a few months ago and after our family had a discussion decided to buy. In fact, we were planning on getting for both of our grandmothers who passed away years apart. The woman who greeted us at the door was quite clueless. She asked several times what we were looking for (umm...candy?) and we repeatedly told her. We showed her our price list and she said the prices have gone up 'but not by much'. Well, apparently, almost $100 is not much. Last time, the owner claimed there's no shipping. Shipping is at least $85! This woman asserted 'shipping was always included'--so um, is it or what? At this point, I suggested we have to discuss it again--obviously. Since we were now looking at almost $200 additional for each. We said thanks and on our way out, the rude owner tells the employee 'why didn't they come back sooner' in the most unprofessional of tones. Well, lady, let me tell you why: not everyone falls for your shady business ways and your style of preying on people at vulnerable times. I am a big advocate for supporting local business. However, professionalism and integrity are important when deciding on supporting any business. There are other local businesses to support. Stay away!

I m on a budget like any other around and I needed grave marker for a family member. Well I went…read moreshopping around and the prices where outrageous. So after my family and I decided to take a break and regroup on what to do that is when we saw the sign for Big Island Grave Markers. We decided to stop buy and see what they had to offer, when we reached there the girl that greeted us was nice and very helpful. They made us feel very comfortable and explained things very clearly. We where happy at that point and then it came to cost we where ready to hear the final cost for everything we wanted, then we where blown way the final estimate/cost was not what we expected. It was a few grand lower than other places even with the extras we wanted. So our family decided to get the marker. The ladies did a wonderful job and made us feel comfortable. I will recommend Big Island Grave Markers any time. Now my family and I know where to go next time we need a marker.

This was my first time visiting Ballard Mortuary as I am not a resident of Hilo. It is located in…read moreHilo town with easily accessible parking to the side and rear. A covered portico allows for dropping of family and items needed to celebrate a life. The main gathering area is surrounded by a covered lanai on three sides with the restroom and kitchen area to the left. The outdoor area provides ample room for approximate 40 people to sit and eat comfortably. The restrooms have 2 stalls in the women and I'm assuming the same in the men's room. The facilities deserve 4 stars, the aunty who officiated deserves 3. She was pleasant however on multiple occasions did NOT know the name of the person whom was being celebrated and resorted to looking at the floral arrangements and needed assistance in pronouncing the last name. Shameful on such a solemn day filled with grief. Otherwise, overall 4 stars.

Every interaction with Ballard's was A-1 from picking up my mother (so very respecful were those…read moretwo young men), to working with Adam to select a casket, date for the service and telling me what I could expect from Ballards on the day of the funeral. Adams explanation of fees was very detailed and I never had to question a charge. Then Adam out me in touch with the printing specialist Donnienne Kalehuawehe to prepare Mom's funeral program. i had chosen a design, background and program format. Donnienne called me a few days later concerned that the background I had chosen would clash with the pictures I had submitted and was wondering if she could run an idea pass me that she had for the background. Her concern about Momʻs program not looking pono was absolutely on target and with her help the program turned into a beloved keepsake. Donnie, mahalo for caring enough to give me a call when the appearance wasnʻt what it could be. That was going the extra mile and for that I am so grateful. Keep up the good work and your services will definitely be recommended to all our friends in need of a loved ones program for their Celebration of Life. Mahalo nui.

I see there are seven entries listed under Dodo. They are all affiliated in some manner…read more The facility itself is really nice, inside and out. The grounds keeper and the janitorial staff must be great. BUT............. the Business practices of this business leave much to be desired. Do NOT buy (invest) into any kind funeral plan. Normally you buy a funeral plan so you won't pay a larger amount when you die. Not so. I bought a $1700 plan in 2008 for my mother. She passed away two weeks ago. There was a $500 balance which I had to pay before the mortuary would do anything. I paid it. Then miniutes later I learn the same exact plan is now selling for $970. That's impossible!!! You buy a plan to "save" money, not pay almost double 4 years later. The mortuary Rep. did not have a satisfactory answer as to why the was such a huge difference in pricing for a Plan. If I had not bought the Plan I would have saved $730. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has experienced this. Currently I'm investigating if someone had been doing some "shananagins" back in 2008. If anyone else has had problems with this business I suggest you do the same. Vets also have had issue with this business. Dodo is NOT Vet friendly.

According to Hawaii law we obtained a court order stipulating the disposition of our fathers…read moreremains because of family disputes in a family of 9 children. DoDo's strung us along for 7 days as though they were making preparations to embalm and ship our father for burial for a full military service. They never sent us the documents, they never picked up the body, and after a week decided the order from the Hawaii judge was no good and they didn't want to deal with it. I highly recommend using another mortuary as DoDo doesn't respect ohana or aloha. They need lessons with some elders.

Beautiful cemetery! This gated cemetery is located off the…read moremain highway at the end of a residential neighborhood. It is very well maintained and just a beautiful setting. It is always kept mowed nicely and kept in wonderful condition. The view of the water from the cemetery is beautiful.

Very secluded down a dead end residential street, this Cemetary is the 2nd Veterans Cemetary and…read morevery unassuming from the outside. Once you enter the gated area, the lawns open up into large beautiful grounds. A Purple Heart memorial greets guests as it honors those wounded in service. A colombarium (for those interred with urns) is situated off to the far right side - and labeled in sections 1-5. Separated by a row of tall trees from Homelani Cemetary, this quiet secondary veterans burial grounds is a peaceful resting place for those who gave their service to fight for the freedom on behalf of us all.

Connie and the staff were very helpful in guiding us through the process of cremation and getting…read moreall the necessary paperwork (e.g. death certificate), on-line obituary and celebration of life printed materials to honor our loved one. An especially nice touch was a selection of poems to choose from for the COL program. We found the perfect one that resonated with all in attendance.

From the owner: Ballard Family Mortuary is here to serve the needs of the island of Hawaii with dignity and…read morecompassion at a price to meet every family's budget.