Lahaina - Waiola Church and Waiola Cemetery (Waine'e)

This church, mentioned several times by James Michener in his novel "Hawaii", has experienced mixed fortunes. The original construction was built between 1828 and 1832 and was the island's first stone church, with room for 300 worshippers. A storm in 1858 damaged it badly, tearing the roof off and causing the bell tower to collapse. It was rebuilt but was burnt down in 1894 by a crowd who considered this an appropriate way of protesting against the abolition of the Hawaiian monarchy.

After it had been rebuilt for a second time another fire destroyed the nave in 1947. Rebuilt yet again, the church was then badly damaged by a whirlwind. The present, not particularly impressive, church was erected in 1953.

The neighboring graveyard dates from 1823 and was Hawaii's first Christian cemetery. The graves of countless important people from the beginnings of the Hawaiian monarchy can be found here, including King Kauanualii of Kauai (1780-1824); Queen Keopuolani, one of the wives of Kamehameha I (1778-1823); Governor Hoapili of Maui (1776-1840), who married one after the other of the two widows of Kamehameha, Keopuolani and Kaahumanu; Miriam Auhea Kekauluohi, one of the five wives of Kamehameha I, later the wife of Kamehameha II and mother of the later King Lunalilo (1794-1845); Princess Nahienaena, daughter of Kamehameha I and sister of Kings Kamehameha II and III (1815-36).