Pros & cons
PROS
- Oldest Christian graveyard in Hawaiʻi with notable royal burials
- Powerful sense of history at Lahaina’s former royal-era church site
CONS
- Buildings destroyed in the 2023 wildfire; access and hours are evolving
- No on-site amenities; active recovery area where quiet respect is essential
Overview
Waiola (formerly Waineʻe) Church and its adjacent cemetery sit at the heart of Lahaina’s royal and missionary era. The mission was established in 1823 under the protection of Keōpūolani, and a substantial stone church followed soon after—the first of its kind in the Islands. The grounds witnessed the capital years of the Hawaiian Kingdom and centuries of worship, loss, and rebuilding.
Why it matters
Waineʻe/Waiola Cemetery (est. 1823) is the oldest Christian graveyard in Hawaiʻi and a resting place for high-ranking aliʻi and early missionaries. Among those interred are Keōpūolani, Kaumualiʻi, Nāhiʻenaʻena, Kuini Liliha, Ulumāheihei Hoapili, Kalākua Kaheiheimālie, Kekauʻōnohi, and missionary William Richards. Missionary and Native Hawaiian graves stand side by side—a rare, humbling tableau of the period.
Current status
The August 2023 Lahaina wildfire destroyed the church buildings, and the site is listed as permanently closed for regular visiting. Since March 2025, the congregation has been gathering once a month for a simple outdoor service under a tent; attendees have been asked to bring their own chairs. Amenities are minimal to nonexistent outside of these gatherings, and parts of Lahaina have had evolving access and recovery guidance.
What you’ll see (when access is permitted)
A serene, sacred burial ground with historic headstones and tombs connected to Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi and early mission history. Come to reflect, not to rush; it’s more about quiet context than grand architecture right now.
Etiquette
This is an active, sacred burial ground. Be calm and respectful; stay on paths; don’t touch or sit on tombs; keep photography discreet; give space to any kūpuna, church members, or caretakers.
Best time to visit
General touring may be restricted. If you wish to experience the site through worship, plan for the congregation’s first-Sunday service at 10:00 a.m., when it is held. Otherwise, avoid casual drop-ins unless local guidance clearly indicates that visitation is appropriate.
Where it is
20.8692, -156.6731Tips for Waiola Church and Cemetery
- 01Treat the grounds as sacred: be quiet, stay on paths, and keep photos discreet.
- 02Do not assume open access; check local guidance and posted notices before going.
- 03If attending the monthly service, bring your own chair and water.
- 04Expect no restrooms, water, or seating on regular days.
- 05Confirm the first-Sunday 10 a.m. service schedule before you plan a visit.
Near Waiola Church and Cemetery
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayKamehameha Iki ParkHistoric beachfront park with beginner surf and canoe heritageParking · Restroom
0.3 mi awayOld Lahaina FortRebuilt corner of Lahaina's 1830s fort, currently closed
0.4 mi awayOld Lahaina CourthouseHistoric courthouse site; currently closed after the 2023 wildfire
0.4 mi awayLahaina HarborHistoric whale‑watching harbor, limited shoreline access for nowRestroom · Parking
3 mi awayKa'anapali Beach WalkResortside ocean path with sunsets, snorkeling stops, and whale season views.Easy · 5.5 mi · 2.5 hr
4.9 mi awayOlowalu Petroglyphs TrailEasy dirt road to cliffside Hawaiian petroglyphs—bring binoculars.Easy · 1.1 mi · 48 min
8.3 mi awayIao Needle Lookout TrailQuick paved climb to Maui’s Needle, plus a shady stream to soak.Easy · 0.6 mi · 45 min
8.9 mi awayLahaina Pali TrailWindy ridge climb with turbine close-ups and sweeping island viewsChallenging · 5 mi · 4 hr
