Keawala'i Congregational Church Cemetery - Makena, HI
Posted by: 
silverquill
N 20° 38.981 W 156° 26.495
4Q E 766575 N 2285477
This historic church on Maui was built in 1855 with local labor and donations from the congregation that was organized in 1832. It is furnished simply inside. The cemetery here has graves dating back to the early days of the church.
Waymark Code: WMDW24
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 02/28/2012
Views: 3
Although this site draws a number of tourists (it is a state historic site), it is home to an active worshiping congregation. The building is constructed from lava with walls three feet thick. The interior is simply furnished with plain wooden pews and a polished wood floor. The adjoining cemetery has many old graves of early church members, perhaps 200 graves. Annual events here include an elaborate luaua with award winning musicians.
Here is a bit of early history from the official web site of the church.
"Keawala‘i Congregational Church in Makena was founded in 1832 as the Church of Honua‘ula. First built of pili grass, the church eventually was rebuilt as a stone-wood building. Members living near the beach gathered coral for the making of the puna or cement, and those residing on the “forest side” brought down the lumber.
K. Ke Kamana was the carpenter. At the right corner of the church, a Bible and a hymn book were placed and sealed by the minister Nueku who offered the prayer for the laying of the cornerstone.
In 1856, the Sunday school raised $70 which was sent to the United States to buy a bell for the church. The bell arrived in January 1860 and was lifted to the belfry in February 1862.
The land where the church now stands was purchased in 1864 for $80 - from Mahoe who donated $45 to the church. Donating $5 each to make up the balance of $35 were: Keli‘ia‘a, Kahanuala, Halama, Kealoha, Kapohakimohewa, Kenui, and the pastor, Kahu Manase. The land was surveyed by William Alexander and recorded with the government."