Kawaiahaʻo Church — Attraction in Honolulu

Kawaiahaʻo Church–the national house of prayer located in Downtown Honolulu near ʻIolani Palace, Hawaiʻi. Kawaiahaʻo Church was established under Kuhina Nui (Queen-Regent) Kaʻahumanu I in the year 1820. Known as the "Westminster Abbey of the Pacific," Kawaiahaʻo Church was the first Christian Church built on Oʻahu. Dedicated on July 21, 1842, “The Great Stone Church” is made of 14,000 coral slabs from ocean reefs that were hauled from the sea by native laborers and missionaries. The church and the grounds were named a National Historic Landmark in 1962. "Kauikeaouli clock," donated by King Kamehameha III in 1850, still tolls the hours to this day. To the right of the entrance you’ll find the peaceful tomb of King Lunalilo. This popular King ruled for just a little over one year and he wished to be buried “among his people” at Kawaiahaʻo Church rather than in the Royal Mausoleum. To the left of the church you’ll also find the Kawaiahaʻo Fountain. The High Chiefess Haʻo bathed in this sacred spring, giving the church its name: Ka Wai a Haʻo, or the water of Haʻo. Kawaiahaʻo Church still serves as a center of worship for Hawaiʻi’s people, with services conducted every Sunday in Hawaiian and English. Portraits of the royal family adorn the walls of the...

THE FIRST CHURCH ESTABLISHED IN THESE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS, WHICH IS STEEPED IN LOCAL HISTORY AND CULTURE.

A minister who leads his congregation and preaches from the heart and with a special, unique compassion? My friends who attend Kawaiaha'o Church firmly believe so affirming these qualities in their note to me. They recenty wrote::

"We have been going to Kawaiaha’o. We really like Kahu  Ken Maukakāne, he sends us  off into the week to “ Go out and give them Heaven”. The worship is much more traditional, ...but all in all it is inspiring and most of all Ken Maukakāne speaks God’s word from the heart, and that is inspiring."

Historically the Kawaiahao Church was the very first Christian church to be built in these Hawaiian islands. The church members naturally stand up for and champion many local Hawaiian issues.

This magnificent church ediface is primarily built with local ocean coral blocks. It once was and still is an awe inspiring structure.

The last remaining ruling queen, Queen Lilioukalani, a strong, devoted Christian and her family attended...

Incredible historical church made of coral blocks. I finally had a chance to visit for an event. The inside in remarkably plain (which I didn't expect because after all it's a church). There is no air conditioning so beware if you're sensitive to heat or have a long event to attend. Parking is nearby along the street & can be a challenge to find. I suggest parking at the municipal lot across the street. Restrooms are in a trailer in the back of the courtyard, near the mission houses. It's worth a visit to see if you get the chance! The cemetery behind the church has been closed every time I go, but was open for the event. However, King Lunalilo's tomb was not. I wish there was more signage around to discuss...