Top Things to do in Hawaii
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10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Hawaii That You Shouldn't Miss
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1. Wananalua Congregational Church
2. Kawaiahao Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
The oldest church in Honolulu served as the royal chapel for 20 years.
Reviewed By Jazzdat - Clearwater, United States
We attended the 9:00 AM Sunday Worship Service on the First Sunday of Advent, December 2017. It was lovely and decorated beautifully for Christmas. As guests, we were made to feel welcome and we were presented leis at the beginning of the service. Communion is available on the first Sunday of every month to all Christians.The church is celebrating its 197th Anniversary as a Christian church (Protestant). The service is given in Hawaiian and English and embraces its historic past as the National Church for the former Kingdom of Hawaii (pre-statehood). The architecture of the church itself is stunning and historic artwork and Hawaiian artifacts can be found throughout it. On the Sunday we visited, the service was conducted by Rev. James "Kimo" Merseberg, who I understand is a visiting pastor.
3. Pu'ukohola Heiau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
A stone temple built by King Kamehameha in 1719.
Reviewed By ayakoi619
This is a old temple, Heiau, which was built by King Kamehameha I and one of the best preserved place compare to all of the others which locate in Hawaii state. You also can enjoy short trail around the heiau, so please wear comfortable shoes. Visiting the center first, then look around the heiau will be easy to understand for young kids.
4. Mokuaikaua Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 432 reviews
Founded in 1836 by Boston missionaries.
Reviewed By tammyhagelberg - Chino Hills, United States
Very welcoming! Heard a wonderful message from the book of Ezekiel while sitting on the breezeway. The traditional service was more contemporary than the description given on the website, which was a bonus for me. Got to hear about the history of the church, the refurbishment, the upcoming 200th celebration (April 4, 2020), and about the very generous anonymous donor that is helping to get this project completed. What a great way to start my vacation! Praise be to God!
5. Mookini Heiau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Spiritual place thought to be the birthplace of King Kamehameha.
Reviewed By IndridKolde
My rental Jeep got me to within a short 15 minute walk to the Heiau, there’s one 3’ deep pond I didn’t want to cross even in the Jeep and the Heiau isn’t much farther on foot so I hiked on in. I was the only person there. A very quiet and sublime place where thousands of Hawaiians were sacrificed. Respect was given. Probably one of the less visited sites but well worth the short trip for the history and the incredible view of Maui and breaching whales offshore. A very picturesque place to visit while noting the horror and yet history of the past
6. Valley of the Temples
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 346 reviews
Reviewed By 580kirstya - Sydney, Australia
Take your time here. It may seem like it is just a "five minute" walk around - but there are little nooks and cranny's where you can hide in plain sight, but tucked away behind some lovely trees. Sit on the seats, feed the huge koi fish and birds (they will eat from your hand if you are patient), pet the cats (careful of the calico one, he's cranky!), chickens that want cuddles, peacocks that just strut around, light some incense, give thanks and say a prayer (or three) to give charitably and to just reflect in the ambiance. It was such a restful place.
7. Star of the Sea Painted Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By MikeH305 - Phoenix, United States
This is a church that has a little history. Fr Damien was in the area when he arrived in the islands. This curch was built in 1927-28 after he was here but is dedicated to him. Stain Glass is int he church of Fr Damien and Sister Cope. Worth seeing and right on the road to Kalapana.
8. Byodo-In Temple
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,808 reviews
Reviewed By VictoriaAllen - Las Vegas, United States
Byodo-In Temple is located inside the Valley of The Temples Memorial Park and is a replica of an old Buddhist temple from Japan. We went here as part of a city tour and I must say was probably my most favorite stop. The drive to the temple took us through a cemetery that had the most beautiful marble headstones and the grounds are very well-maintained. There's a gravel path that leads to either side of the temple and allows for some picturesque and tranquil views. Beautiful architecture against the backdrop of the Ko'olau Ridge takes your breath away. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful Japanese-style garden complete with a koi pond, statue of Buddha and traditional Japanese tea house. Donations are welcome for the restoration of the Buddha statue and you are asked to remove your shoes before entering (as a sign of respect) and they welcome you to light incense as an offering to Buddha. You can also purchase food to feed the koi -- a lot of fun for kids! Truly one of the best sites to see when visiting Oahu. When not visiting with a tour, there is no time limit on the length of your visit. Definitely a must see when visiting the island.
9. The Painted Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 707 reviews
Reviewed By chimayred - Durham, United States
an interesting middle ground between something to make a destination and something to stop at as you drive by. A beautiful little whitewashed church, with a beautiful interior painted with biblical scenes; nice setting, interesting history. I would recommend this.
10. St. Philomena Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By dawnw968 - Wisconsin, United States
The stories behind the church and the people who attended there are very interesting. It's humbling to hear what the people had to endure.
