The Haunted Kawaiaha’O Church

Posted: 07.25.2024 | Updated: 07.25.2024

Welcome to Honolulu, a paradise of white sand, crystal-clear water, and world-renowned seafood. Yet, beneath this picturesque exterior lies a land where the living mingles with the dead, and centuries of bloody history are buried just below the surface. An ancient Hawaiian saying warns, "Every time you cut the earth, you cut the dead." This is more evident than at the historic Kawaiaha’o Congregational Church on Punchbowl Road, just a stone’s throw from the haunted Iolani Palace.Kawaiaha’o is Hawaii’s "Mother Church," the first and oldest standing Christian Church in the islands. When missionaries arrived in Honolulu in the 1810s, King Kamehameha II welcomed them and ordered the construction of three Mission Houses around a central chapel. However, when they began digging in the 1830s to build the chapel, they unknowingly disturbed the final resting place of hundreds of souls. This disturbance awakened something angry that continues to haunt visitors to Kawaiaha’o. 

Why is the Kawaiahaʻo Church haunted?

Kawaiahaʻo Church, often referred to as the "Westminster Abbey of the Pacific," is one of the oldest Christian churches in Hawaii, with a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. It is located in Honolulu and has been a significant site for Hawaiian culture and history. The haunting of Kawaiahaʻo Church is attributed to several factors rooted in its historical and cultural significance.Keep reading to learn more about this haunted paradise. To discover some of Honolulu's most haunted places in person, book a Honolulu ghost tour with Honolulu Haunts! 

Historical Significance

 The land on which Kawaiahaʻo Church is built was previously used as a royal cemetery and is believed to be sacred ground. Before the church was constructed, the site served as a burial ground for Hawaiian chiefs (aliʻi). Disturbance of these ancient burial sites during construction and subsequent activities is often cited as a reason for otherworldly occurrences.The church was built between 1836 and 1842 using over 14,000 coral blocks quarried from the ocean. This arduous process was labor-intensive and dangerous, leading to injuries and possibly deaths among the workers, contributing to the site’s eerie reputation.Kawaiahaʻo Church has also witnessed many significant events in Hawaiian history, including the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy and various royal ceremonies. The emotional energy from these events, including the sorrow and turmoil of the Hawaiian people during the overthrow, is believed to linger within the church grounds.The church was the place of worship for Hawaiian royalty, including King Kamehameha III and Queen Emma. Many members of the royal family were associated with the church, and their spirits are believed by some to still reside there. The church's proximity to the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii, where many royals are buried, adds to the belief in the presence of their spirits. 

Hauntings at Kawaiahaʻo Church

 Visitors and churchgoers have reported seeing apparitions of Hawaiian chiefs and shadowy figures within the church and on its grounds, particularly near the ancient burial sites. There are frequent reports of unexplained sounds such as chanting, footsteps, and whispers believed to be the voices of spirits associated with the ancient burial ground or the church's historical events.People have experienced sudden drops in temperature and the feeling of being watched or touched by unseen entities, especially in certain areas of the church known for their historical significance. Some have reported seeing strange lights or orbs in and around the church, believed to be manifestations of spiritual energy.Kawaiahaʻo Church’s haunted reputation stems from its rich and complex history, construction on ancient burial grounds, and significant role in Hawaii's royal and cultural heritage. The combination of historical events, cultural beliefs, and reported ghostly activity all contribute to the belief that spirits from the past haunt the church.The Hawaiian belief system, which includes respect for the spirits of ancestors and the concept of mana (spiritual energy), plays a significant role in the interpretation of these hauntings. Disturbing sacred sites and failing to honor the spirits appropriately can lead to hauntings, according to Hawaiian tradition. 

More Honolulu Hauntings

 If you visit Kawaiaha’o, take a moment to sit beneath the breadfruit trees and look up. According to local lore, these trees have witnessed countless acts of brutality, including those inflicted by missionaries, the violence of American forces in the late 19th century, and internal Hawaiian conflicts. The trees remember it all.Church workers have reported hearing wind howling through the graveyard like a scream and seeing visions of young maidens wandering among the gravestones, leaving hibiscus flowers on the graves of former lovers. The ominous sound of the night marchers’ stomping feet is enough to send chills down anyone’s spine. Spooky sightings are so common that local police often receive calls from Kawaiaha’o.Kawaiaha’o is notorious for the night marchers, the spirits of dead Hawaiian chiefs who descend from the mountains on moonless nights. These ghostly armies march to the beach, where they hold drum circles, banging and chanting. While many across the island hear them, few have seen them. Locals advise that if you do happen to see them, you must bow your head in deference as they pass, or risk having your head collected as a trophy. 

Haunted Honolulu

 Honolulu is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. For dedicated ghost hunters, it offers the perfect blend of beachside relaxation by day and thrilling ghost hunting by night. Honolulu Haunts will reveal the dark side of the sunny isles, taking you on a journey through the haunted history of this beautiful city.Experience the haunted history of Kawaiaha’o Church and other spooky sites on a Honolulu ghost tour with Honolulu Haunts tonight! Sources:https://www.mysteries-of-hawaii.com/hawaiis-most-haunted/kawaiahaohttps://www.khon2.com/news/local-ghost-storyteller-explores-the-most-haunted-places-in-hawaii/https://buffalonews.com/article_42288d83-e1c7-5014-88c8-26450422df22.html