Kawaiahaʻo Church image

Kawaiahaʻo Church

Tourist attraction Church Christian church Protestant church United church of christ

Built in 1842, this coral-brick church is hung with royal portraits & open for tours & worship. People often mention church, history,


Address

957 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813

Website

www.kawaiahao.org

Contact

(808) 469-3000

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (155 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Friday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday: 8 am to 4:30 pm
  • Thursday: 8 am to 4:30 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: church (25) history (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Jakob Z. 2 years ago on Google
    While I didn’t go inside this church (was closed at the time), the grounds were open for walking around and exploring. The tomb of King Lunalilo is on the grounds and is managed wonderfully. The history of this church is pretty spectacular as it’s the location of Hawaii becoming the fiftieth state of the union. Additionally, there are QR codes that you can scan with your phone that details the history of the church. I look forward to one day touring the inside of this church!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Craig P. 10 months ago on Google • 428 reviews
    Good acoustics but, for general musical performances, a narrow field of view. Great ventilation for warm Hawaiian afternoons.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ten S. 4 years ago on Google
    While I do not support the message that missionaries brought over here, I won't deny the beauty and history that this place has
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leon BIGPAKE H. 1 year ago on Google
    Most beautiful hawaiian church
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lil Mama's Cooking S. 1 year ago on Google • 50 reviews
    The Royalty of Hawaii attended service here. Service is open to the public. Beautiful place for a blessing or a wedding. Portraits of the royals adorn the walls of this building rich with history.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bryan H. 4 years ago on Google
    I definitely liked looking in and around this structure. It's a New England church in a tropical setting. Coral stones uniquely make up the building blocks. Flowers adorn the pews in the airy sanctuary. A princely chapel is out front. A discrete fountain on the side. A hauntingly picturesque cemetery hides in the back under the trees.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tim W. 1 year ago on Google • 178 reviews
    Really pretty building and good service. I really liked some of the cool stuff around the church, the cemetery with the missionaries, the royalty paintings and the fountain were my favorite
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dr. Jan W. 7 months ago on Google • 111 reviews
    Magnificent church built of coral by Hawaiians in 1800s. Walking distance for royalty from Iolani Palace. Royal boxes still maintained in back of church. Locked even when internet says it’s open.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ayla S. 10 months ago on Google • 108 reviews
    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 the history.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ken K. 3 months ago on Google • 88 reviews New
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 DEAN N. 2 years ago on Google
    KAWAIAHA'O CHURCH IS BLESSED TO HAVE THE TALENTED PASTOR AND LEADER IN KENNETH MAKUAKANE. GREAT MUSICIAN AND TENNIS PLAYER TURNED PASTOR SHOWS THAT KENNETH IS THE REAL DEAL AND THE THRUTH. ENOUGH SAID!!!!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Heze A. 1 year ago on Google
    Talked with the Archivist about the history of East Oahu from the days of the Great Mahele to the time of pig farms and to the present as well. Good fun 😊
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rich L. 5 months ago on Google • 190 reviews
    A beautiful old church in the centre of Honolulu.

  • 5/5 Courtney M. 5 months ago on Google • 131 reviews
    Oldest church in Hawaii. Great place for pictures!

  • 4/5 David L. D. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful interior but very bright acoustically so not the best place for concerts. Have not been to church service there.

  • 5/5 guy h. 1 year ago on Google
    They hosted the most beautiful hau'oli la hanau sing along for queen lili'u

  • 5/5 Andrea W. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful church with wonderful acoustics and the warmth of good people.

  • 5/5 Raul C. 4 years ago on Google
    A very solemn place; this church (as told by one of the kind volunteers) was made of corals

  • 5/5 Greg D. 5 years ago on Google
    Always feel the spirit of Aloha here!

  • 5/5 Jason N. 4 years ago on Google
    There's not a ton to do here, but if you're like me and churches are always on your list of stops when visiting a new city, this one is a must. If the doors are open, you can go in. When I was there, a lecture was going on, but I was still able to peek inside. The inside of the church is pretty standard, but the outside is where the history comes in. The fact that all the brick were cut from coral is simply amazing. It's a great slice of Hawaiian history.

  • 5/5 Ann C. 4 years ago on Google
    Really beautiful church! With a great community and valid history!

  • 5/5 Linda M. 4 years ago on Google
    My college graduation was held in this beautiful historic church.

  • 5/5 Andre S. 2 years ago on Google
    Huge church but only 10 people in service that Sunday I visited. I’m sure back in its heyday you prolly couldnt find a seat.

  • 5/5 jb M. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful place to worship. Services are in Hawaiian and English.


Call (808) 469-3000 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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