Kaahumanu Church facts for kids
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Kaʻahumanu Church
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Shown from north-eastern elevation, March 2010
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 Location in Maui
Location in Hawaii
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| Location | 103 South High Street Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii |
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| Area | 1.96 acres (7,900 m2) |
| Built | 1876 (fourth and current structure) |
| Architectural style | New England Simple Style Gothic Architecture |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000622 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 12, 1975 |
Kaʻahumanu Church is a special church located in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii. What makes it unique is that the songs (hymns) and prayers are still spoken in the Hawaiian language. This helps keep the Hawaiian language alive, especially since it was once not allowed to be spoken in public.
Contents
The Church's Beginning
The story of Kaʻahumanu Church began in 1832. Queen Ka'ahumanu, who was one of the first Hawaiian royals to become Christian, visited Maui. She came to the spot where the new church was being built. She saw services led by a minister named Jonathan Smith Green.
After seeing the services, Queen Kaʻahumanu asked the church leaders to name the future permanent church building after her.
Early Church Buildings
The very first building used by Minister Jonathan Smith Green was a simple shed. It was built on land given by the Kahale family, with permission from King Kamehameha III.
By 1834, many people wanted to attend church. Sometimes, as many as 3,000 people would gather! Because of this, a second building was quickly put up. It was a thatched structure, made from woven plant materials. Even with so many visitors, only a small number of people were official church members at first.
Between 1837 and 1840, there was a "Great Revival," and the church grew a lot. The number of members jumped to 487. In just one year, 200 new people joined the church.
With so many new members, a third church building was needed. This stone church was built in 1840. It had one main floor and a gallery (a balcony for more seating). It was quite large, about 100 feet long and 52 feet wide.
The Current Church Building
The church building you see today is the fourth one built on this spot. It was completed in 1876. This new church was built to honor Queen Kaʻahumanu's wish from many years before. Edward Bailey, who managed the Wailuku Sugar Company, helped make it happen.
The church is built in a style called New England simple Gothic architecture. This means it has a classic, strong look, similar to churches found in the northeastern United States.
The Bell and Clock
The church has a special bell and three clock faces. These were made by the Seth-Thomas clock works company. They were brought all the way to Hawaii in 1884 by sailing around Cape Horn. The Bailey family donated these items.
In 1892, beautiful chandeliers were added inside the church. Later, in 1964, officials from Maui County officially named the clock in Kaʻahumanu Church the "Town Clock."
Church Grounds
Behind the main church building, there is a stone structure with one opening. This was once used as a bell tower before the current one was built.
You can also see parts of the old third church building. A rock wall in front of the church, along High Street, is from that earlier structure. There are also several graves on the church grounds.
An extra building sits between the church and the Territorial Building. This area is part of the Wailuku Civic Center Historic District.
One important person buried in the church cemetery is Honoliʻi. He was one of the first Native Hawaiians to study in New England. He returned to Hawaii on a sailing ship called the Thaddeus.
Historic Recognition
Kaʻahumanu Church is recognized as an important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 12, 1975. It was also placed on the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places on May 18, 1981.
Gallery
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Church cemetery
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One of the graves in the graveyard
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Auxiliary building behind Ka'ahumanu Church
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Stone structure behind Ka'ahumanu Church
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Ka'ahumanu Church grounds
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Honoli'i Park and surrounding grounds
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Exterior of Kaahumanu Church, c. 1990. Photograph by Alan Gowans.
