Kawaiahaʻo Church is a historic Congregational church in downtown Honolulu, at 957 Punchbowl St. Established in 1820 and built in its present form between 1836 and 1842, it is known for walls made from 14,000 coral slabs quarried from offshore reefs. Inside, look for the Kauikeaouli clock, donated by King Kamehameha III. The church has long been connected with Hawaiʻi’s monarchy, and Sunday worship is held in Hawaiian and English. Visit the grounds and read the historical placards, or attend a service to experience the church as a place of worship.
From an 1820 church to the present building
Kawaiahaʻo’s history begins in 1820, when a church was established in Honolulu. The coral-stone building seen today came later: construction took place from 1836 to 1842. Its early congregation sat on woven lauhala mats, made from hala leaves, before the present structure was built.
The church has been closely tied to the Hawaiian Kingdom. It was the kingdom’s national church and the royal family’s chapel, and Hawaiian chiefs, queens and kings attended services. Royal events connected with the church include the marriage of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. The grounds also hold the tomb of King Lunalilo, the kingdom’s sixth monarch.
Coral stone and the Kauikeaouli clock
The church’s walls are made from 14,000 slabs of coral quarried from reefs off Oʻahu. The blocks were cut from underwater reefs and brought to the building site, a demanding process that took four years. The church’s New England Georgian, or Palladian, design gives the coral structure a formal profile.
Inside, look for the Kauikeaouli clock, donated by King Kamehameha III. The church is a National Historic Landmark, and placards around the site provide further information about its history. When the sanctuary doors are open, visitors can step inside and sit on a wooden pew.
Worship and visiting with care
Kawaiahaʻo remains an active church, with services conducted in Hawaiian and English. Sunday worship gives visitors a chance to hear Hawaiian used in a religious setting; the church is a place of worship, so keep your visit considerate of those attending.
The church stands in downtown Honolulu, across Punchbowl Street from the Kamehameha Statue and near Iolani Palace. Municipal parking lots across the street can be a practical alternative to parking along nearby streets. There is no air conditioning inside, so a cooler time of day may be more comfortable if you are sensitive to heat.
FAQ
Where is Kawaiahaʻo Church?
It is at 957 Punchbowl St in downtown Honolulu, Oʻahu, across Punchbowl Street from the Kamehameha Statue.
When was Kawaiahaʻo Church built?
The church was established in 1820. The present coral-stone building was constructed between 1836 and 1842.
What is Kawaiahaʻo Church made of?
Its walls are built from 14,000 coral slabs quarried from offshore reefs.
Are services held in Hawaiian?
Yes. Worship services are conducted in Hawaiian and English, including Sunday services.
