Waiola Church, Protestant church in Lahaina, United States.
Waiola Church is a church building in Lahaina, Maui, that combines Hawaiian architectural elements with traditional religious design through its white exterior and prominent windows. The structure serves as a place of worship and stands within a grounds that includes a cemetery with significant historical burials.
The original church was founded in 1823 as Ebenezer Church, making it the first Christian institution established on Maui island. Over the following centuries, the building underwent significant changes and reconstructions that reflected the evolving religious landscape of Hawaiian communities.
The cemetery holds a Royal Tomb where Queen Keopuolani and other Hawaiian chiefs were buried, showing how Christianity became accepted by the ruling families. This connection between the faith and local nobility shaped the island's religious identity over generations.
The church is accessible on foot and located in a quiet area of Lahaina with parking available nearby. Visitors can move freely around the grounds to explore the cemetery and read about the histories of those buried there.
The building underwent major reconstructions in the mid-1900s that kept it standing through the decades. Few visitors realize that the church they see today represents layers of repair and rebuilding that reflect the community's commitment to preserving this spiritual landmark.
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