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Ali'i Drive, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

808-329-0655

This is the site of the first Christian church built in Hawaii. The land was given to the missionaries by King Kamehameha III and the initial church was completed in 1820. The original structure was made of thatch under the direction of Asa Thurston, one of the first missionaries. This coral church was built by Governor Kuakini in 1837. The lava rock in the structure came from a 15th Century heiau that once stood on this land. It is reported to have taken 4,000 men to crush the coral, make the mortar and construct the church. The interior is simple, but elegant, made of native koa wood. The Royalty of Hawaii were separated from the commoners by 4 kahilis which represented the major Hawaiian islands. The stone archway entrance leads from the street to the church grounds. The arch is made from lava stones.

Useful Information:

Open daily 7:30 to 5:30

FREE admission

Tours available

Artifacts and memorbilia housed in the back of the church

Kahikolu Church

Mokuaikaua Church

St. Benedict's Catholic Church

St. Peter's Catholic Church



DIRECTIONS:

Located in downtown Kailua-Kona on Ali'i Drive across the street from the Hulihe'e Palace. Small museum located in the vestibule of the church houses historical and religious artifacts from the early 1800's. Model of the Thaddeus, the ship which brought the first missionaries from Boston to Hawaii in 1819. The trip took 164 days and rounded the dangerous Cape Horn.