Oahu Attraction Guide

Kawaiaha'o Church

Kawaiaha'o Church is a historic coral-block church in downtown Honolulu, known for Hawaiian Kingdom history, royal connections and its setting near Iolani Palace.

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Kawaiahao Church, Oahu

Located in downtown Honolulu on the island of Oahu, Kawaiahao Church 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 cut 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

Historic downtown Honolulu church on Punchbowl Street
Present coral-block church dedicated in 1842
Congregation traces its roots to 1820
Built with about 14,000 coral blocks cut from offshore reefs
Known as the Great Stone Church and Westminster Abbey of the Pacific
Important worship place for Hawaiian royalty and Kingdom leaders
Name connects with Ka wai a Ha'o and an older spring at the site
King Lunalilo's tomb is on the church grounds
Tower clock was donated by King Kamehameha III in 1850
National Historic Landmark connected with Hawaii's political and religious history
Active church where access can change with services and events
Near Iolani Palace, Honolulu Hale and the Hawaii State Capitol

Kawaiahao Church

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Kawaiaha'o mean?

The name is commonly explained from Ka wai a Ha'o, meaning the water of Ha'o, a reference to a spring once associated with the site.

Why is Kawaiaha'o Church called the Westminster Abbey of the Pacific?

The nickname comes from the church's close connection with Hawaiian royalty, government leaders and major moments in Hawaii's 19th-century history.

What is unusual about the church walls?

The present church was built with thousands of coral blocks cut from offshore reefs, giving the building its pale stone look and its older nickname, the Great Stone Church.

Who is buried on the church grounds?

King William Charles Lunalilo is buried on the grounds. He chose Kawaiaha'o rather than the Royal Mausoleum because he wanted to rest among his people.

What can you combine with a Kawaiaha'o Church visit?

The church is close to Iolani Palace, Honolulu Hale, the Hawaii State Capitol, the King Kamehameha Statue and the Hawaiian Mission Houses Historic Site.