A Tour of Hawaii’s Gothic Architectural Landmarks

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.

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.

Completed in 1871, ‘Iolani Barracks was previously located just behind the Hawaii State Capitol building. Designed by architect Theodore Heuck as a tribute to medieval castles, the building is made up of crenellated parapets, towers, and is constructed of 4,000 coral blocks. It housed 80 members of the Royal Guard until the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. In 1965, the structure was moved and now serves as a visitors center, gift shop, and ticket office for ‘Iolani Palace.

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.

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.

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.

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.