History of Kawaiahao Church and Diamond Head

We have this space above our counter on the outside of our kitchen and needed desparately to put pictures up there to give clarity and substance to the space. For three years I look at my three pictures but this one is my favorite.

In my mind this picture depicts the growth of downtown Honolulu and Waikiki since the year 1890.

Kawaiahao (Ka Wa ee ah ha o) Congregational Church was constructed between the years of 1836 and 1842 and was the site of royal coronations, christenings and funerals during the reigns of King Kamehameha II and King Kamehameha III.

The part of history that is embedded in my mind is when King Kamehameha III, while at Kawaiahao Church uttered the phrase, Ua Mau ke Ea O Ka Aina i Ka Pono which translates in Enlish to "The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness".

This became our official Hawaii State Motto.

Waikiki has long since been a place for taking a break, relaxation and where visitors flock every year to enjoy our warm tropical climate with fun and sun on the beach.

• In the late 1700's Waikiki was just flat land and loaded with fish ponds and water filled taro fields that were cultivated by Hawaiians.
• 1804: Foreign disease killed many of Kamehameha I troops in Waikiki
• 1853: Smallpox brought to Waikiki by a sailor killed 3,000 Hawaiians.
• 1877: Businessmen started to build homes in Waikiki
• 1888: Park Beach Hotel Opened in Waikiki and in 1893 Sans Souci Hotel Opened in Waikiki
• 1899: Princess Kaiulani (named heir to the throne by Queen Liliuokalani) died at her home in Ainahau in Waikiki
• 1901: Moana Hotel Opened in Waikiki (and still there :) and in 1906 the Seaside Hotel Opened.
• 1917: The Halekulani Hotel Opened in Waikiki (still operating)
• 1921: Ala Wai Canal finished
• 1927: Royal Hawaiian Hotel completed...and just opened this year after renovations.
• 1959: Airline turned away business because we had too few hotels.
• 1970: Ala Moana, Hyatt Regency and Sheraton Hotels open with over 1,000 rooms each.

Like they say.... "The rest is history".

If it's one thing I can suggest for any Hawaii Visitor, Hawaii Resident, Hawaii Relocation and Military Moving to Hawaii is to go to all the historic sites and learn about our rich history. After living in Hawaii most of my life, I can honestly say that I did not pay attention in school (we took Hawaiiana) and the past two years I have gotten educated, researched and enjoyed learning a lot of the history these islands have to offer. Dive in and learn all about the History of Hawaii....you'll be glad you did!

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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com