Kawaiaha'o Church Tours and Activities
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Often referred to as 'the Westminster Abbey of the Pacific,' this historic stone church was the first of its kind to be built on the island of Oahu. Prior to its construction in 1843, Christian missionaries held weekly sermons in small, pili grass huts, but the Hawaiian royalty rapidly embraced Christianity and a long lineage of Hawaiian royalty has worshipped here at the church. Not only is King Kamehameha II buried on the grounds, but this is where Kamehameha III uttered the phrase that would eventually become the state motto: "Ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono"—"the life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness."
When it was completed, Kawaiaha'o Church was unlike any structure that had previously been built on Oahu. Over 14,000 coral blocks were carved from offshore reefs, and it's estimated that over 1,000 workers took nearly six years to completely finish the church. Today, the structure is an architectural highlight of Honolulu’s historic quarter, where visitors can also find 'Iolani Palace and the King Kamehameha statue, in addition to the current state capital.
Practical Info
Sunday mass is held at 9 a.m. and is partially conducted in Hawaiian. There are also prayer services on Wednesday evenings from 5 to 7 p.m. Visitors can also stop by to visit the grounds and take photos of the church from outside.
Address: 957 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813, USA
Hours: Sanctuary open daily 8am-4:30pm
6 Tours and Activities to Experience Kawaiaha'o Church
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Pearl Harbor Arizona, Missouri and City Tour
1246
Explore the sites of Pearl Harbor and downtown Honolulu on this tour from Waikiki. YYou'll board the USS Missouri, visit the USS Arizona Memorial and the Pearl Harbor Visitor Center to learn about the rich history of WWII. Plus, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Honolulu to see attractions such as the King Kamehameha Statue and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl Cemetery).
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From
$113.09
From
$113.09
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
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Historical Honolulu Bike Tour
35
Explore Honolulu on a half-day bike tour that provides an insider's look at the vibrant city's history, beaches, and sights. See street art in Kaka'ako park, taste fresh Hawaiian fruits in Chinatown, go up the Aloha Tower for the views, and discover the monuments around the Hawaii State Capitol, including the royal Iolani Palace. Your informative guide provides a bike and helmet, fascinating commentary throughout the leisurely tour.
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From
$109.00
From
$109.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Learn More
Honolulu Scavenger Hunt: Royal Views Of Honolulu
Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.
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From
$12.31
From
$12.31
Honolulu Downtown Walking Tour
Welcome to Hawaii’s ONLY free tour created by and operated by locals! On this guided walking tour, you will learn about the history of Hawaii and see some of the 50th State’s renowned landmarks. Meet us at the King Kamehameha Statue in Downtown Honolulu and embark on a journey with one of our friendly, informative local tour guides. You will leave the tour with a better understanding of the true spirit of aloha rooted in Hawaiian history and orally passed down through generations from the ancient tribal Hawaiian times to the sugar plantation period to its current status as the world-renowned paradise destination on everyone’s bucket list!
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From
$5.00
From
$5.00
O‘ahu Highlights Private Guided Tour: Landmarks & Architecture
Just arrived and don’t know what to see first? Take a relaxing 3-hour ride to Honolulu’s most iconic landmarks followed by jaw-dropping views as the venture continues across Southern O‘ahu’s mountainous highways.
Our tours are private and just for your group!
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From
$106.00
$26.50 savings
From
$106.00
$26.50 savings
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
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Pearl Harbor - USS Arizona - Honolulu City Tour
17
Combine visits to downtown Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, and the USS Arizona during a half-day tour departing from Waikiki or Kahala. In a climate-controlled tour vehicle, travel between the area's disbursed landmarks, spending time listening to your guide's informative commentary at each. Round-trip transportation from Waikiki and Kahala hotels provided.
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From
$55.00
From
$55.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Learn More