Welcome to Kawaiahaʻo Church! Since its establishment on April 23, 1820, the
church was known as the First Native Church, King’s Chapel, the Stone Church,
Westminster Abbey of Hawaii and Kawaiahaʻo Church. Beyond being a place of
worship, the church played an integral role in the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom
as it became the church for the Aliʻi (royalty). It is uniquely the only church in the
United States that has had a close relationship with monarchs and the nobility. As
such, numerous official functions, celebrations, and ceremonies were held in the
sanctuary. For many years, the church served as the nexus of activities and events
in the Hawaiian Kingdom due to its central location, its proximity to Iolani Palace
and its size which made possible for large gatherings of people.
