Religion has played an important role in the history of the Hawaiian Islands. When Christian missionaries arrived in the islands, they brought with them their belief system and the church. From small rural chapels to huge cathedrals located in the heart of Hawaii’s capital, you’ll find countless beautiful churches across the Hawaiian Islands, but there is no church as spectacular as the one we’re sharing with you today. Dating back to the early 1800s, Mokuaikaua Church is the island chain’s oldest Christian church.
Nestled on Ali’i Drive in Kailua-Kona, Mokuaikaua Church became Hawaii’s first Christian congregation in 1820 and is one of the most well-known landmarks in this coastal town.
Steve Boland/Flickr
Founded by Christian missionaries from America, Asa and Lucy Goodale Thurston, after they were granted permission to teach their religion by King Kamehameha II, Mokuaikaua Church is steeped in history.
Unknown, Kona Historical Society/Wikipedia
When the royal court relocated to Honolulu, the congregation was briefly moved to Oahu, but in October 1823, they learned that the people of Kailua-Kona had developed an interest in Christianity and had a small wooden church erected. This original structure was made from Ohia wood and featured a thatched roof on land obtained from the Royal Governor Kuakini across the street from his Hulihe’e Palace.
Unknown/Wikipedia
The name Mokuaikaua translates to “district acquired by war” in the Hawaiian language, most likely referring to the upland forested area where the wood for the original structure was obtained.
W Nowicki/Wikipedia
After a series of fires damaged the church, the present stone structure was constructed in the mid-1830s — partially from stones recycled from a nearby heiau.
W Nowicki/Wikipedia
The interior is decorated with koa wood, and is open to the public for tours as well as hosting two services on Sunday mornings at 9 and 11 a.m.
d.monyak/Flickr
In 1978, more than 150 years after the church was founded, Mokuaikaua Church was listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places.
RDPixelShop/Flickr
Mokuaikaua Church is located at 75-5713 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona, HI 96740. For more information, visit their website. Have you ever witnessed the old-fashioned beauty of Mokuaikaua Church? If so, share your experiences and opinions in the comments below.
Steve Boland/Flickr
Unknown, Kona Historical Society/Wikipedia
Unknown/Wikipedia
W Nowicki/Wikipedia
d.monyak/Flickr
RDPixelShop/Flickr
If you love visiting unique churches, you’ll definitely want to head just 17 miles south to Captain Cook, where you will find the gorgeous St. Benedict Catholic Church, known by locals simply as “the Painted Church.”
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