How 14,000 Coral Blocks Built Honolulu’s Most Iconic Church

When you walk down King Street in downtown Honolulu, it’s hard to miss the massive stone church that rises above the modern skyline. Kawaiahaʻo Church, often called the “Westminster Abbey of Hawaiʻi,” is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks in the islands. What makes it especially remarkable is the way it was built — from more than 14,000 slabs of coral hand-cut from the reefs off Oʻahu nearly two centuries ago.

The Vision for a National Church

By the 1830s, the Hawaiian Kingdom was firmly established under King Kamehameha III, and Christianity had taken deep root following the arrival of missionaries in 1820. As the population of Honolulu grew, the thatched meeting houses used for worship were no longer large enough. A new church was envisioned — one that would serve not only as a house of worship but as the national church of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Kawaiahaʻo, named after the spring of Chiefess Ha‘o, was chosen as the site. Its construction would be unlike anything seen before in Hawaiʻi.

Harvesting the Coral

Between 1836 and 1842, divers swam into the shallow reefs off Oʻahu to cut massive blocks of coral from the ocean floor. These slabs were carefully pried loose using hand tools and brought to the surface.

• 14,000 blocks in total were cut and transported.

• Each block weighed up to 1,000 pounds.

• They were ferried to shore by canoe and rolled inland to the building site using wooden beams and sheer manpower.

It was an extraordinary feat of engineering, considering there were no cranes, trucks, or modern tools — only the determination of Hawaiian laborers and the vision of aliʻi and missionaries working together.

Building a Coral Cathedral

Once on site, the coral slabs were shaped and stacked into thick walls, giving the church its enduring strength. The construction blended Hawaiian ingenuity with New England architectural design brought by the missionaries.

• The church’s dimensions: 163 feet long, 63 feet wide, and 50 feet high.

• The bell tower rose above the town as Honolulu’s tallest landmark at the time.

• The interior could seat more than 2,000 worshippers, making it one of the largest buildings in the Pacific when completed.

A House for Aliʻi

Kawaiahaʻo quickly became more than a place of worship — it was the royal chapel of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

• Kings and queens worshipped here.

• Royal weddings, baptisms, and funerals took place within its coral walls.

• Special pews were reserved for aliʻi, and the church became central to the life of the monarchy.

This deep connection with Hawaiian royalty is part of why Kawaiahaʻo is often compared to Westminster Abbey in London.

Lasting Legacy

Nearly 200 years later, the coral blocks still stand, a testament to Hawaiian resilience and craftsmanship. The church continues to host services in both English and Hawaiian, welcoming visitors from around the world.

Walking through its coral walls, you’re not just stepping into a church — you’re stepping into living Hawaiian history. Every block, hand-cut from the sea, carries the story of a people, their faith, and their kingdom.

Plan Your Visit

Kawaiahaʻo Church is open to visitors for Sunday worship services at 9:30 AM and guided tours. On your next trip to Honolulu, take a moment to step inside the coral sanctuary and feel the history that has echoed here since 1820.