Kawaiahaʻo Church
Urban Honolulu (Downtown)
Oʻahu's Oldest Church, Built of Coral Blocks in the 1840s
Kawaiahaʻo Church, at 957 Punchbowl Street across from ʻIolani Palace, was established in 1820, and its site describes it as the oldest church on Oʻahu. The current Great Stone Church was built from about 14,000 coral blocks, laid in 1839 and finished by 1842, and King Lunalilo is buried on the grounds. The church offers a self-guided audio walking tour that uses QR codes around the campus, with stops including Lunalilo's Tomb, the Kauikeaouli Clock and the Royal Pews.
The church's pages do not state visiting hours, an admission fee, dress code or photography rules, so those are unconfirmed; the only schedule listed is the Sunday service at 9:30 AM, so treat Sunday mornings as worship, not sightseeing. Call (808) 469-3000 to confirm when the grounds and church are open to visitors.
Why Roamwise recommends this
A historic Hawaiian church worth pairing with ʻIolani Palace and Downtown, as long as you confirm it is open first.
Best for: Hawaiian and missionary-era history, an easy 30-minute stop, a walking tour of downtown landmarks.
Insider tip: call ahead for visiting hours and avoid Sunday mornings, when worship is under way.
- Safety notes:
- Visiting hours, any fee and photography rules are not stated on the church's own pages — confirm by phone before planning around it.
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Local tips
- •Visiting hours and any fee are not on the church's pages — call (808) 469-3000.
- •Sunday service is at 9:30 AM
- •avoid sightseeing then.
- •A self-guided audio tour with QR codes covers the grounds.
- •Dress respectfully
- •it is an active place of worship.
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