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Thomas on Islands | profile | all galleries >> == Oahu Albums == >> Mauna ‘Ala, Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Mauna ‘Ala, Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii

2261 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, Oahu. An Aloha Oe to the King.
This Mausoleum is the resting place of most of the Hawaiian kings and is considered sacred by many Hawaiians. Most visitors to Oahu are oblivious of this site, partly because so many tourist guides or books about Oahu do not mention this place at all. You can reach the mausoleum off Pali Highway via Wylie Street or Pauoa Road.

In the chapel we shared a lecture about the history of this mausoleum and the Nu'uan Valley with a visiting class from a local school. The lecture was given by kahu (caretaker) in 6th generation, William Kaihe'ekai Mai'oho. Refer also to image 2428 for interesting details about the Hawaiian Stuffs (Kapu markers) at the tomb of Kamehameha Dynasty.

Our visit was very special because we met a small group of Hawaiian Royalists! Yes, they exist! The caretaker opened the fence to the crypt in which King Kalakaua and Queen Liliuokalani are buried. So we also had the rare opportunity to see the crypt from the inside. After a prayer in the crypt, one of the ladies sang a solemn Aloha Oe for the King. She had an exquisite voice that soared around us, and everyone was in tears by the time she finished.

Our visit to this shrine was a very moving and emotional experience. Every time we explore the Islands something extraordinary happens. Hawaii will always welcome us to her shores and invite us to explore her further.

2415 Entrance
2415 Entrance
2414 Seal of Kingdom of Hawaii
2414 Seal of Kingdom of Hawaii
2438 Chapel and Kalakaua Obelisk
2438 Chapel and Kalakaua Obelisk
L20034 The Chapel
L20034 The Chapel
2419 Chapel
2419 Chapel
2420 Chapel
2420 Chapel
2424 Prayer and song for the king
2424 Prayer and song for the king
2426 Grave of John Young
2426 Grave of John Young
2425 John Young, Kamehameha's Companion in Arms
2425 John Young, Kamehameha's Companion in Arms
2428 Tomb of Kamehameha Dynasty
2428 Tomb of Kamehameha Dynasty
2432 Grave of Charles Bishop
2432 Grave of Charles Bishop
2433 Explanations on rear side
2433 Explanations on rear side
2445 Stairs to Kalakaua Crypt
2445 Stairs to Kalakaua Crypt
2440 Aloha Oe for the King
2440 Aloha Oe for the King
2441 Resting place of Kalakaua Dynasty
2441 Resting place of Kalakaua Dynasty
2444 Seal on the gate to the crypt
2444 Seal on the gate to the crypt