On February 3, 2018, from 10:00am-4:00pm, the iconic Hawaiian Church located across famous Matsumoto Shave ice in Historic Haleiwa, on the North Shore of Oahu will be hosting a Native Hawaiian festival. Lili’uokalani Protestant Church will be Celebrating the History and Culture of its site, of Native Hawaiians, and of the coronation of our late Queen Lili’uokalani.
Bring your entire Ohana (family) and learn about this Native Hawaiian site. Walk the grounds donated by Chief Gideon Pale‘ioholani La‘anui the last ruling Chief of the Waialua District (now known as Waialua and Haleiwa Towns) who was also one of the first to convert to Christianity. Chief La‘anui had an honorable lineage as he was the Grandnephew of Kamehameha the Great. Learn how Reverend John and Mrs. Ursula Emerson embraced the Native Hawaiian people and their culture. The Emerson’s taught many Native Hawaiians how to protect their ancestral lands by creating title ownership. They also protected the Hawaiian language by having Church services in both English and Hawaiian.
Stand in front of the church and take in the breathtaking beauty of the building designed by the first Native Hawaiian Architect, Theodore A. Vierra. Mr. Vierra was also the first Native Hawaiian to become a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He is also famed for designing many of the plantation communities and the Honolulu International Airport. Walk into the church named after Queen Lili’uokalani and view the one-of-a-kind clock she commissioned. Her memory will never be forgotten as she had the numerals on the clock replaced with the letters of her name. When the Queen stayed at her home at nearby Anahulu, she attended the Hawaiian services which radiated with Aloha. Like the Queen, Lili’uokalani Church is regal and full of love for the Native Hawaiian people.
Experience a walk back-in-time with the launch of Lili’uokalani’s Historic Walking Tours. Learn the history of this Hawaiian Church by taking a walk through the cemetery and into the church to see the beautiful and breath taking Moss Rock Wall. Site back and take in the rays shining through the handcrafted stained glass windows. Listen to the story and significance of each stained glass window and how the colors are only on the inside. Stand in front of the Queen’s portrait not only enjoying the beauty but also finding the hidden treasures. Come on down to Haleiwa town and enjoy a fun filled family day! Indulge in ONO foods, buy locally made arts and crafts, watch traditional cultural demonstrations, play fun keiki games, learn about Native Hawaiian organizations, and relax with awesome local entertainment.