Waiola Church Cemetery
A sacred resting place for Hawaiian royalty and a cornerstone of early Christian history in Hawaii. A site of profound historical and cultural signifi...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Softer light for reflection
Waiola Church Cemetery
Best Time
Softer light for reflection
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred resting place for Hawaiian royalty and a cornerstone of early Christian history in Hawaii. A site of profound historical and cultural significance.
"A beautiful old cemetery and burial place for some Kingdom of Hawaii royalty. Very historic."
🙏 Be Respectful
This is a sacred burial ground. Please maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid disturbing the graves.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
There's more history here than meets the eye. Take your time to absorb the significance of the site.
Quick Facts
Rating
4 · 3 reviews
Type
Cemetery
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Royal Burial Ground
Waiola Church Cemetery
Final resting place of Hawaiian royalty, including Queen Keopuolani and King Kaumuali'i. A deeply significant historical site.
Waine'e Church Site
Adjacent to the cemetery
The historic mission site established in 1823, a cornerstone of early Christian history in Hawaii.
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Planning Your Visit
Respect Sacred Ground
Historical Significance
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🙏 Be Respectful
This is a sacred burial ground. Please maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid disturbing the graves.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
There's more history here than meets the eye. Take your time to absorb the significance of the site.
📸 Photography Etiquette
While photos are generally allowed, be mindful of the solemn nature of the location. Avoid intrusive shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🙏 Be Respectful
This is a sacred burial ground. Please maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid disturbing the graves.
🕰️ Allow Ample Time
There's more history here than meets the eye. Take your time to absorb the significance of the site.
📸 Photography Etiquette
While photos are generally allowed, be mindful of the solemn nature of the location. Avoid intrusive shots.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Waiola Church Cemetery to be a deeply moving and historically significant site, offering a glimpse into Hawaiian royalty and early Christian history. While the cemetery is a place of profound respect, some visitors note that recent events may impact accessibility and the overall visitor experience.
"The churchyard adjacent to Waine'e Church
(now Waiola Church) is also known as Waine'e Cemetery. Waine'e Graveyard was the first the Christian cemetery in Hawaii and the final resting place for much of the Hawaiian Royal Family:
Queen Keopuolani, the highest royalty by virtue of bloodlines in all Hawaii, born in Wailuku in 1780; she was the first Hawaiian baptized as a Protestant. Wife of Kamehameha I, mother of Kamehameha II and III. (1778 - Sep 16, 1823)
King Kaumuali'i, the last king of Kauai. His island was the only one that Kamehameha the Great never took with force.(1780 - May 26, 1824)
High Chief Ulumaheihei Hoapili, a general and King Kamehameha I closest friend; Hoapili married two of Kamehameha's queens, Keopuolani and Kalakua. He was governor of Maui from 1823 until his death. (~1775 - Jan 3, 1840)
Hoapili-Wahine (Kalakua Kaheiheimalie), wife of High Chief Hoapili and governor of Maui from 1840 to 1842, who donated 1,000 acres of land to start Lahainaluna School. (1778 - Jan 16, 1842)
Kekauonohi, one of the five queens of Kamehameha II, born in Lahaina in 1805, served as governor of Kauai from 1842 to 1844. (1805 - Jun 2, 1851)
High Chiefess Kuini Liliha, granddaughter of King Kahekili, daughter of Hoapili; Liliha visited King George IV with her husband, Boki, Kamehameha II and Queen Kamamalu. In 1830 Liliha started a rebellion with 1,000 soldiers on Oahu while she was governor there. Her father, Hoapili, forced her to give up her office and return to Maui. (1802 - Aug 25, 1839)
Princess Nahienaena, darling of the high chiefs and the Hawaiian people, sister to kings Kamehameha II and III. (1815 - Dec 30, 1836)
Many missionary children are buried in Waine'e Cemetery, as is Rev. Richards, who baptized Queen Keopuolani on her deathbed in 1823.
Visitors should be aware that Hawaiians consider this site sacred."
Mark O'Deady
"Beautiful old cemetery and burial place for some Kingdom of Hawaii
Royalty."
Robin Ritchie
"Very historic be sure and take your time there's more here to look at than appears at 1st glance"
Pat V
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Waiola Church Cemetery is located in Lahaina, Maui. It's easily accessible by car and is often visited in conjunction with other Lahaina historical sites. Parking is typically available nearby, but can be limited during peak times.
While public transport options exist for Lahaina town, direct routes to the cemetery might be limited. It's best to check local Maui bus schedules for routes that pass through the historic Lahaina area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entrance fee to visit Waiola Church Cemetery. It is an open historical site for respectful visitation.
The cemetery is generally accessible during daylight hours. As it is an active cemetery and a place of reverence, it's best to visit during respectful hours, typically from morning until early evening.
Following the devastating fires in Lahaina, access to certain areas may be restricted. It's crucial to check local advisories and official sources for the most current information regarding access to Waiola Church Cemetery and its surroundings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Waiola Church Cemetery, also known as Waine'e Cemetery, is Hawaii's first Christian cemetery and the final resting place for many members of the Hawaiian Royal Family, including Queen Keopuolani and King Kaumuali'i. It's a deeply significant historical and cultural site.
Notable burials include Queen Keopuolani, King Kaumuali'i, High Chief Ulumaheihei Hoapili, Hoapili-Wahine (Kalakua Kaheiheimalie), Kekauonohi, High Chiefess Kuini Liliha, and Princess Nahienaena. Many missionary children are also interred here.
Hawaiians consider this site sacred. Visitors should approach with reverence, maintain a quiet demeanor, and avoid disturbing any graves or monuments. It's a place for reflection and remembrance.
Photography is generally permitted, but visitors are urged to be discreet and respectful of the solemn nature of the site. Avoid intrusive or disrespectful photo-taking.
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