Designated as a US National Historic Landmark in 1962, Kawaiahao Church
was considered at certain points as the national church of the Hawaiian
Kingdom and the chapel of the royal family. The name of the church, Ka
wai a hoa means "the waters of Hao" since its location is that of a
spring of fresh water pool which was in the care of a high chiefess
Ha'o.
The church upper gallery is adorned with 21 portraits of
Hawaiian royalty and King Lunalilo's grave is found in the courtyard of
the church. The sanctuary of the church, known as Kauikeaouli dock, in
memory of King Kamehameha III, is of great historical significance.
Inside the sanctuary to the right and left at the entrance is the royal
pews within which can be seen four symbols of royal ranks. Kings and
queens of the Hawaiian dynasty sat in those pews.
The church
ground is full of endemic plants of Hawaii. They include the ti, which
are often planted around dwellings and thought to ward off evil, the
koki'o ula'ula considered as a laxative and used for cordage and sennit,
and the Ohi' a Lehua which has hair like filaments.
The church
was dedicated after a ceremony on the 21st of July 1842. Construction took five years to complete with funds that had been mostly
contributed by the community. The church is testimony of a long
history. Hawaiian royalty prayed within its walls, they sang hymns,
married, and christened their children. Many original missionaries are
buried on the grounds surrounding the church and it was also the place
where many went to pray during 9/11.