Hawaii, HI : Royal Mausoleum State Monument

Royal Mausoleum State Monument

Hawaii

Honolulu County

Honolulu

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Address 2261 Nuuanu Avenue Honolulu, HI

Directions
From Waikiki: Take H1 west bound. Get off at the Vineyard Blvd. exit. Turn right onto Nuuanu the Royal Mausoleum will be on the right side right after the Oahu cemetary.

Description:
About 20 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki lies the serene site of the Royal Mausoleum at Mauna Ala, in Nuuanu Valley. The Mausoleum, watched over by graceful palm trees, is the final resting place for some of Hawaii’s most beloved (and final) royal figures. Many Hawaii residents consider the Royal Mausoleum to be one of the most sacred burial sites in the islands. The site is surrounded by a heavy wrought iron steel fence, bearing the royal seal at the front gate.

The 2.7 acre mausoleum was originally built by King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma as a burial site for their deceased four-year old son, Prince Albert. The mausoleum was completed in 1865. Subsequently, it was decided that the mausoleum was a more fitting place to bury past monarchs of the Kingdom of Hawaii and their families. The buried royalty believed that wealth should be used to benefit their people. In fact, the legacies (and trust funds) of some of the royalty buried at Mauna Ala -- including Queen Lili‘uokalani, who started a trust for orphans; Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, who founded Kamehameha Schools; and Queen Emma Naea Rooke, who established Queen’s Hospital -- are still serving Hawaii’s people today.

The peaceful grounds are open during the week and a caretaker is usually on duty. An expansive kamani tree dominates the front of the grounds. A small chapel in Gothic style is located near the center, immediately behind the tomb of Kalākaua and his family, and to the right of the Kamehameha tomb. There are no formal tours and no self-guided tour markers. Occasionally, a school class or tour group will visit the mausoleum in order to pay homage to Hawaii's history or formally commemorate one of the monarch’s birthdays. No picnicing is allowed out of respect for the dead. Due to the historical nature of this site, it appears that renovations take place on an "as needed" basis. Because very few tourists visit this sacred site, it is never crowded although visitors are welcome to view the grounds without a fee, pay their respects and even meditate briefly in the chapel.

Written By: John Kim

Features
Parking | Walking Trails | Wheelchair Accessible

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