Lunalilo Mausoleum

Lunalilo Mausoleum holds two koa wood caskets resting on red-carpeted flooring, with three kāhili mounted on Italian marble stands beside them. The structure sits on Kawaiahao Church grounds and combines Hawaiian and Western architectural elements.

King Lunalilo reigned only from 1873 to 1874 but chose to be buried here rather than at the Royal Mausoleum. This decision reflected his closeness to common people and his different values from previous rulers.

The kāhili displayed here are traditional Hawaiian feathered standards that mark royal status and ceremonial importance. Visitors can see how these objects were central to how the monarchy expressed its authority.

The mausoleum sits directly on Kawaiahao Church grounds and is accessible during regular visiting hours. Visitors should wear respectful clothing since this is a sacred site.

When the king's remains were transferred in 1875, a sudden thunderstorm broke out that locals saw as nature's own salute to their departed monarch. This unexpected event became part of the local memory of his funeral.