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Kawaiaha'o Church
Historical Site

Kawaiaha'o Church

Oahu
4.6
(1,200 reviews)
54
Tours Available
Free (donations welcome)
Adult Entry
1-2 hours
Recommended Duration
March-May and October-November
Best Time

Overview

Kawaiaha'o Church, also known as 'The Westminster of the Pacific,' is a historic Congregational church located in downtown Honolulu. Built in the early 19th century, it is one of the oldest standing Christian churches in the state of Hawaii.

Kawaiaha'o Church played a significant role in the history of Hawaii, serving as a place of worship for Hawaiian royalty and being instrumental in the translation of the Bible into the Hawaiian language.

Religious Site Architectural Landmark

Location

Address

957 Punchbowl St., Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii

Neighborhood: Downtown Honolulu

Coordinates

21.304400, -157.852100

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
tuesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
wednesday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
thursday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
saturday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
sunday Closed (open for services at specified times)

Admission

Adults
Free (donations welcome)
Children
Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May and October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
30 minutes
Recommended
1-2 hours
Full Experience
Half day (including nearby attractions)

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild and pleasant

  • • Lush greenery
  • • Spring flowers

summer

Hot and humid

  • • Extended visiting hours

autumn

Cool and comfortable

  • • Pleasant weather
  • • Cultural festivals

winter

Mild and occasionally rainy

  • • Holiday decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Respectful dress code
  • Check service times
  • Photography restrictions

What to Bring

essential

ID Comfortable shoes Water

recommended

Camera Sunscreen Hat

seasonal

Rain jacket Umbrella

not allowed

Loud clothing Disruptive behavior

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low (some walking required)

  • • Stay hydrated
  • • Use sunscreen

Medical facilities: Nearest hospital: The Queen's Medical Center (1.5 km away)

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry Free (donations welcome)
parking $5-10
tours $15-25

Dress Code

Modest and respectful attire (shoulders and knees covered), Comfortable walking shoes, Closed-toe shoes recommended, Revealing clothing, Beachwear

Booking Tips

  • • Not required, but recommended for tours
  • • Official website or local tour operators
  • • Flexible, check with tour operator
  • • Available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
Bike rack
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed
Nearby options

Digital Services

Mobile App

Hawaii Historical Sites

Size: 35 MB

Features: Maps, Audio guides, Event calendars, Ticket booking

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Courtyard

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL)

Distance: 15 km

Travel Time: 20-30 minutes

taxi
$35-45 25 min
rideshare
$25-35 25 min
public_transport
$2.50 50 min

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

walking
bus
$2.50 15 min
rideshare
$10-15 10 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Deep historical significance and beautiful architecture

Historical Significance: Built by Hawaiian royalty, played a key role in the Christianization of Hawaii

Insider Tips

  • Free guided tours available on weekends
  • Best views from the courtyard
  • Local cafes nearby for refreshments

Local Recommendations

  • • Visit nearby Iolani Palace
  • • Try local shave ice
  • • Explore the Hawaii State Art Museum

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Aloha
thank_you Mahalo
where_is Ke aha ka...?
how_much Pehea ke...?
beautiful Nani
ticket Tikeke

Guide Languages: English, Hawaiian, Japanese

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Front facade and bell tower

Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon

Tips: Capture the architectural details and symmetry

Result: Striking images of the historic church

#Kawaiaha'oChurch #HonoluluHistory #HawaiiTravel

Photography Rules

allowed areas Exterior and courtyard, Designated areas inside during non-service hours
prohibited areas During services, Sacred areas
flash photography Not allowed inside
commercial photography Permit required
drone policy Prohibited without special permission
tripod policy Allowed in designated areas with permission
selfie sticks Allowed in designated areas

Nearby Attractions

Iolani Palace

Distance: 300m

Walking: 5 min

Type: Historical Site

Hawaii State Art Museum

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Museum

Honolulu Museum of Art

Distance: 1.5km

Walking: 20 min

Type: Museum

Reviews

4.6

Based on 1,200 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Visit early to avoid crowds"
  • "Check for guided tours"
  • "Combine with a visit to Iolani Palace"

Contact Information

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Quick Info

Available Tours

54

Rating

4.6 / 5.0

Reviews

1,200

Adult Entry

Free (donations welcome)

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