Kawaiaha'o Church

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 second floor.

a year ago

We enjoyed it very much. The 4 string quartet musicians were very good. And the candle light made it feel very special. My granddaughter and I both enjoyed it very much!

2 months ago

We only got to see the outside, so here's more from Wiki: Kawaiahaʻo Church is a historic Congregational church located in Downtown Honolulu on the Hawaiian Island of Oʻahu. The church, along with the Mission Houses, comprise the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site, which was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark (NHL) in 1962. In 1966 it and all other NHLs were included in the first issuance of the National Register of Historic Places. At one time the central church of the Kingdom of Hawaiʻi and chapel of the Hawaiʻian royal family, the church is popularly known as “Hawaiʻi's Westminster Abbey”. The name comes from the Hawaiian noun phrase ka wai a Haʻo (“the water of Haʻo”), because its location had a spring and freshwater pool of a High Chiefess named Haʻo.[4] It has also been called hale pule lahui (“Great Stone Church”), the Hawaiian Tabernacle (luakini), the Mother Church, the Kingʻs Church, the Kingʻs Chapel, and the "Aliʻi Church". Today, Kawaiahaʻo continues to use the Hawaiian language for parts of its services. It is the oldest church on Oʻahu and one of the oldest standing Christian places of worship in Hawaiʻi, although four thatched churches stood at or near the site of the present coral church. The oldest standing church is Mokuaikaua Church on the Island of Hawaiʻi. Denominationally, it is part of the United Church of Christ."

3 months ago

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 church here.

a year ago

This is an interesting historical site, and there are a number of placards around the site which elaborate upon its significance.

8 months ago