Kailua-Kona in Hawaii County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)

Hulihe‘e Palace / Moku‘aikaua Church

Photographed By Dawn Toman, December 27, 2010

1. Hulihe'e Palace - Moku'aikaua Church Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Hulihe‘e Palace Construction of Hulihe‘e Palace was completed in 1838. Hulihe‘e was the gracious residence of Governor John Adams Kuakini and a favorite retreat for Hawai‘i’s royal families. Kuakini oversaw the construction of both Moku‘aikaua Church and Hulihe‘e Palace and these landmarks once shared a similar architectural style. In 1884, King Kalakaua updated Hulihe‘e with a stucco exterior and widened lanai. Today, the Palace is operated as a museum by the Daughters of Hawai‘i.

Moku‘aikaua Church Boston missionaries brought Christianity to Hawai‘i when they arrived in Kailua in 1820. Moku‘aikaua is Hawai‘i’s oldest Christian church. Preceded by two thatched hale, it was transformed from 1835 to 1837 with exterior walls of lava rock masonry and crushed coral mortar. Hewn stones were used to construct the foundation. Handsome interior features ‘ohi‘a timbers and koa wood paneling.

Please respect Hawai‘i’s cultural treasures and natural resources.

Photography Credit [for marker photo of church and surrounding area “circa 1890”]: Bishop Museum

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Government & Politics. A significant historical year for this entry is 1838.

Location. 19° 38.373′ N, 155° 59.64′ W. Marker is in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, in Hawaii County. Marker is at the intersection of Alii Drive and Sarona Road, on the right when traveling north on Alii Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 75-5713 Alii Drive, Kailua Kona HI 96740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The First Hawaiian Christian (here, next to this marker); Mokuaikaua Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Ki'ope Pond (within shouting distance of this marker); Hulihe‘e Palace (within shouting distance of this marker); Niumalu Beach / Kailua Bay (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kamakahonu (approx. ¼ mile away); Ahu'ena Heiau (approx. ¼ mile away); Marine Life (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kailua-Kona.

Photographed By Adam Margolis, November 25, 2010

2. Hulihe‘e Palace / Moku‘aikaua Church Marker

Photographed By Adam Margolis, November 25, 2010

3. Hulihe‘e Palace / Moku‘aikaua Church Marker

Photographed By Dawn Toman, December 27, 2010

4. Hulihe'e Palace - Moku'aikaua Church Marker

The Moku'aikaua Church is in the background.

Hulihe'e Palace image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, January 3, 2011

5. Hulihe'e Palace

The Palace is across the street from the marker and the church.

Small Cemetery in front of Moku'aikaua Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Toman, December 27, 2010

6. Small Cemetery in front of Moku'aikaua Church

Hulihe'e Palace is in the background across the street.

Medallion on Front Gate of Hulihe'e Palace image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William J. Toman, January 3, 2011

7. Medallion on Front Gate of Hulihe'e Palace

Credits. This page was last revised on January 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 2, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 772 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 2, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 2, 3. submitted on January 11, 2022, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 4. submitted on January 3, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 5. submitted on January 6, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 6. submitted on January 3, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 7. submitted on January 6, 2011, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.