Religion has played an important role in the history of Hawaii. When Christian missionaries arrived in the islands, they brought with them their belief system, and the church. From small rural chapels to huge cathedrals located in the heart of Hawaii’s capitol, these twelve churches in Hawaii are all magnificent, both in their architectural beauty and the love of those who worship within their walls.

1) Kawai'ahao Church, Oahu
Kawaiaha?o Church, 957 Punchbowl St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Ron Jones/Flickr
The historic church was once used as the national church of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and the chapel for the royal family. Today, the church still uses the Hawaiian language during their services. This church in Hawaii is definitely worth the visit!
2) St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Maui
St. Joseph's Church, 1294 Makawao Ave, Makawao, HI 96768, USA
Dan/Flickr
The first church in this rural area, St. Joseph’s was built around 1882, with the current structure dating to 1911. One of the oldest churches in Hawaii, it’s also one of the most beautiful in America!
3) Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Oahu
Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, 1184 Bishop St, Honolulu, HI 96813, USA
Prayitno/Flickr
Said to be the oldest cathedral in continuous use as a cathedral in the United States, the religious institution was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This church, the oldest church in Hawaii, and the United States, is a stunning piece of architecture!
4) Wai'oli Hui'ia Church, Kaua'i
Wai?oli Hui?ia Church, 5 Kuhio Hwy #5363A, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA
Nico Aguilera/Flickr
Built in 1912, the green, spired church is often regarded as the most photographed building in Hanalei, Kauai – and no one is questioning why. If you’re looking for beautiful Hawaii churches, look no further than here!
5) St. Francis Church, Molokai
St. Francis Church, Damien Rd, Kalaupapa, HI 96742, USA
NPS CulturalLandscapes/Flickr
This stunning church is located within the historic Kalaupapa Settlement on Molokai. It’s a beautiful representation of some of the churches in Hawaii.
6) Central Union Church, Oahu
Central Union Church of Honolulu, 1660 S Beretania St, Honolulu, HI 96826, USA
Daniel Ramirez/Flickr
Organized in 1887, Central Union Church did not move to its downtown location until 1924. This church in Hawaii is an absolute showstopper!

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7) St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church, Big Island
St Benedict Catholic Church, 84-5140 Painted Church Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704, USA
Mark Kortum/Flickr
Known more commonly as the Painted Church, this magnificent piece of art is open to the public seven days a week, and holds mass five days per week. Not surprisingly, this Hawaii church is an absolute showstopper.
8) St. Augustine by the Sea Catholic Church, Oahu
St. Augustine by the Sea, 130 ??hua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, USA
Onilad/Flickr
Due to its location in Waikiki, St. Augustine ministers primarily to visitors. Talk about a showstopper! How can you not visit this church in Hawaii? The ceiling is absolutely amazing.
9) Palapala Ho'omau Congregational Church, Maui
Palapala Ho‘omau Congregational Church, Hana, HI 96713, USA
Mark Kortum/Flickr
A small limestone church located near Oheo Gulch on the Hana Coast, Palapala Ho’omau was built in 1857, and still holds services today. This beautiful Hawaii church makes our bucket list.
10) Mokuaikaua Church, Big Island
Moku‘aikaua Church, 75-5713 Ali‘i Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740, USA
John Loo/Flickr
This beauty is the oldest Christian church in the Hawaiian Islands, founded in 1820, from the first ship of American Christian Missionaries. The oldest church in Hawaii is absolutely worth a visit!
11) St. Andrew's Cathedral, Oahu
CaptSpaulding/Flickr
Built in a French gothic architecture style, several pre-fabricated pieces from England had to be shipped in to complete construction. A cathedral in Hawaii well worth the visit, especially for the unique stained glasses artistry.
12) Makawau Union Church, Maui
Terry Feuerborn/Flickr
Pictured is the third structure used by the congregation throughout its history. One of the islands' most beautiful churches in Hawaii.

Regardless of whether you are religious or not, anyone can appreciate the marvelous architecture of these twelve churches in Hawaii. And of course – all churches are beautiful, which is why I would like to encourage you to share your Hawaii church photographs with us in the comments.

Looking for more great architectural finds? Check out These 15 Pieces of Architectural Brilliance In Hawaii Could WOW Anyone.

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More to Explore

Churches In Hawaii

Megan McDonald | July 29, 2022

What is the oldest church in Hawaii?

Hawaii has churches from the 1800’s! The oldest church in Hawaii is Mokuaikaua Church, located on the Big Island. The congregation of the church dates all the way back to 1820, and this church building was completed in 1837. That’s almost two hundred years of history in this stunning building!

Are there a lot of churches in Hawaii?

There are! In fact, nearly 50% of Hawaiians on the islands practice some form of Christianity. So you’ll likely see churches all over the islands, of all different kinds of denominations. 

Which island in Hawaii is most spiritual?

The Big Island of Hawaii is considered the most spiritual, with many sacred places existing on the island. Mauna Kea on Hawaii is the most sacred spot of them all, with only ancient high-ranking chiefs able to summit the mountain that reaches almost 14,000 feet high. Now anyone can make the trip, but try to remember that this area is very important and must be respected.

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