Kawaiahao Church
Kawaiahao Church, located in downtown Honolulu, is the first Christian church built in Hawaii and a National Historic Landmark. Constructed from 14,000 hand-quarried coral blocks between 1836 and 1842, the church is often called the “Westminster Abbey of Hawaii.” It was once the royal chapel of the Hawaiian monarchy and remains a cultural symbol of Hawaii's spiritual and political history, with services still partially conducted in the Hawaiian language.
Kawaiahao Church, Oahu
Located in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Kawaiahao Church (view panorama) × was the first Christian church in Hawaii, built between 1836 and 1842. It features a New England style architecture, and for its construction, about 14,000 slabs of coral rock were digged out by hand from offshore reefs on Oahu's south shore. Divers had to dive 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 m) under water and with hand tools chisel out each coral block, which were then transported from the reef to the shore.
Each coral slab weighs about 1,000 pounds. The church is also known as “Hawaii's Westminster Abbey.” Its Hawaiian name Ka wai a Ha'o means “the water of Ha'o” because its location was that of a freshwater pool and spring, which was taken care of by a woman chief named Ha'o. She would take ceremonial baths here for purification. However, the name Kawaiahao was not applied to the church until 1853.
It was here at Kawaiahao Church where King Kamehameha III in 1843 spoke the phrase that would later become Hawaii's official motto: Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono (meaning “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness”).
Kawaiahao Church at one time was the national church of the Hawaiian Kingdom and chapel of the royal family. Up until today, Kawaiahao uses the Hawaiian language for parts of its service. The church currently seats 4,500 people. It is designated as a National Historic Landmark of the National Register of Historic Places.
Key Features of Kawaiahao Church
- First Christian church in Hawaii: Built from 1836 to 1842 using coral slabs hand-chiseled from offshore reefs.
- National Historic Landmark: Known as the “Westminster Abbey of Hawaii” and a significant cultural site.
- Hawaiian royal connections: Former national church of the Hawaiian Kingdom and place of worship for King Kamehameha III.
- Historic motto origin: Site where “Ua mau ke ea o ka 'aina i ka pono” - Hawaii's state motto - was first declared in 1843.
- Open to visitors: Daily hours for self-guided exploration, plus Hawaiian-language Sunday services at 9:30 am.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kawaiahao Church made of?
The church was built using about 14,000 slabs of coral rock, each weighing around 1,000 pounds, quarried by hand from offshore reefs.
Why is it called the “Westminster Abbey of Hawaii”?
Because of its royal ties, historical importance, and role as the spiritual center of the Hawaiian Kingdom, it earned the nickname “Hawaii's Westminster Abbey.”
Does the church still hold services?
Yes, Sunday services are held at 9:30 am and are partially conducted in the Hawaiian language.
Where is Kawaiahao Church located?
It's located at 957 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813, near other historic landmarks in downtown Honolulu.