Waiola Church, formerly Waineʻe Church, was a historic church site on Waineʻe Street in Lahaina. A mission was established here in 1823, and the church became closely connected to the Hawaiian royal family when Queen Keopuolani was baptized here that year. Its graveyard is the resting place of early members of the royal family. The church was destroyed by wildfire, and it is listed as permanently closed, so this is a place to understand Lahaina’s history rather than visit for a service or see the church building.
A church tied to Lahaina’s royal history
A mission was established at the site in 1823, when Christianity was taking root on Maui. The church became known as Waineʻe, a Hawaiian name meaning “moving water.” Queen Keopuolani was baptized there in 1823, and the graveyard became the resting place of early members of the Hawaiian royal family.
The church served the royal family during the period when Lahaina was the kingdom’s capital. Its history is therefore closely linked to both the town and the arrival of Christianity on Maui.
Rebuilt through changing times
The church building was constructed between 1828 and 1832. It was destroyed and rebuilt more than once: a windstorm in 1858 carried its roof more than 100 feet from the building. In 1953, after another rebuilding, the church took the name Waiola, meaning “living water.”
Waiola Church marked its 200th anniversary in 2023. The wildfire that later destroyed the church also damaged a place of deep cultural and historical importance to Lahaina. The site is listed as permanently closed, so check current local information before making plans to visit.
FAQ
Is Waiola Church open?
No. It is listed as permanently closed, and the church was destroyed by wildfire.
Why is Waiola Church historically important?
A mission was established there in 1823, and Queen Keopuolani was baptized at the site that year. The church also served the Hawaiian royal family when Lahaina was the kingdom’s capital.
Where was Waiola Church?
It was at 535 Waineʻe St in Lahaina.
