Mokuaikaua Church
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
Mokuaikaua Church
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Mokuaikaua Church is the location where the first Christian Church in the state of Hawaii was built in 1820 by Asa and Lucy Goodale Thurston. They were Christian missionaries that arrived on the brig Thaddeus.
The first structure on the site was the king’s home, built prior to 1820. A small wooden structure made out of Ohi’a wood with a thatched roof was built in 1825 as the church. After several fires, the present stone structure was constructed, partially from stones recycled from a nearby Heiau. It was started in 1835 and dedicated in 1837.
The Archway at the entrance to the grounds of the church was erected in 1920. The commemorative plaque tells about the arrival of the Pioneer missionaries
The church’s name moku ʻaikaua, literally means "district acquired by war" in the Hawaiian language. It is probably named after the upland forest area where the wood was obtained.
Mokuaikaua Church is located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is in Kailua-Kona on Ali’i Drive, directly across the street from Hulihe’e Palace. It continues to be in use and is open to the public for tours.
It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Copyright 2017 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
September 22nd, 2017
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