A Tour Of Hawaiis Gothic Architectural Landmarks

Gothic Architecture was an experiment in Hawaii largely in the late half of the 19th century. Properly known as Gothic Revival, the style was popularized by official government and religious buildings, mostly on O’ahu.

1. Kaumakapili Church

Church

Kaumakapili Church in Honolulu is notable for its brick frame, painted windows and red steeple. Built in 1838, it was intended as a Protestant church for common people, as the only other church in Honolulu, Kawaiahao, was attended exclusively by royalty.

2. Royal Mausoleum State Monument

The solemn Royal Mausoleum State Monument on O’ahu is the site of a chapel and the tombs of several royal families from the Kamehameha and Kalakaua dynasties. The 2.7-acre site was designed by Theodore Heuck and was constructed in 1863.

Royal Mausoleum State Monument, 2261 Nuuanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI, USA, +1 808 587 2590

3. The Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew

Building, Cathedral, Church

When Kamehameha IV assumed power in 1855, he established the Anglican Church of Hawai’i and oversaw the construction of The Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew. Completed in 1867, the building displays the first use of vaulting in Hawaii.

5. Moana Surfrider

Resort, Spa Hotel, Hotel

The beachfront pool area at Moana Surfrider on Waikiki Beach with palms and ocean beside

Opened in 1901 as the first hotel in Waikiki, The Moana Hotel, as it was originally called, has hosted prominent celebrities, including King Edward VIII, Agatha Christie, and Duke Kahanamoku. The hotel is strikingly recognizable thanks to its Ionic columns, intricate woodwork, ornate plaster, high ceilings, and cross-ventilation windows. It is notable as the site for the first electric-powered elevator on the islands, which is still in use today.

6. Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace

Building, Cathedral, Church

Founded in 1843, the Hawaii Catholic Church grew unimpressed with the initial building design of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, and they transformed it in typical gothic style, including high ceilings and arched windows.

7. Hui’ia Church

Church

The Hui’ia Church of Wai ‘oli Mission District in Kaua’i shows gothic influences in a muted exterior, arched stained glass windows, and a modest belfry tower. Although it’s been home to missionaries since the 1830s, the current church was not built until 1912.

8. Makawao Union Church

Church

One of the few gothic buildings on Maui, Makawao Union Church was designed by architect C.W. Dickey and was dedicated in 1917. Built of basalt lava rock walls, oak doors, slate roof and stained-glass windows, it’s crowning emblem is the Seth Thomas clock on the Norman-style tower.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.