Ever wonder where the royal families of Hawaii are buried? The Royal Mausoleum in Nu’uanu Valley is the principal burial site for the Kamehameha and Kalakaua Dynasties. I stumbled upon this place, called Mauna ‘Ala (Fragrant Hills) in Hawaiian, when I was walking along Nu’uanu Road. The beautiful black gates with gold accents caught my eye and last month I finally got a chance to stop in and visit.
On the grounds of the Royal Mausoleum there are a chapel, an underground burial vault and several free standing tombs. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful and you forget how close you are to both downtown Honolulu and the Pali Hwy.
The underground crypt is where the remains of many members of the royal family are kept, with their names and dates of birth and death marking their final resting place. Many of the remains were transferred here after the mausoleum was finished in 1865.
There are free standing tombs and monuments both beside and behind the chapel. As we walked around looking at them I had an opportunity to teach my children about graveyard etiquette and respect, as well as a bit of Hawaiian history.We also saw many beautiful leis which had been left on the graves. On May 2, leis from Lei Day competitions held on May 1 are ceremoniously placed on graves at the Royal Mausoleum. Our visit was in the afternoon after the ceremony and the leis were intricate and beautiful.
Do it yourself on Oahu
Location: 2261 Nu’uanu Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii
Directions: From the Pali Hwy, take the Wyllie Street exit. If you are coming from Honolulu, you will loop around to the right, crossing over the Pali, and come to an intersection where you will take a left at the stop sign. If you are driving towards Honolulu, you will exit and arrive at the same intersection where you will go straight at the stop sign. You will be on Nu’uanu Ave. and pass two churches on your left and the Mausoleum will be just after them and before the large cemetery.
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am to 4:30pm; Closed on weekends and holidays, except Memorial Day.
Parking: Free and located along the loop inside the gates of the Mausoleum.
Facilities: There are restrooms located behind the chapel.
Other: Picnicing is not allowed on the grounds of the Royal Mausoleum.
More info: For a brief history of the Mausoleum, read about it on Wikipedia
This post is part of the Carnival of Aloha at Homespun Honolulu. Head there to find links to more posts about the Hawaiian islands.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
GREAT post! so many people forget about this place or not even know about it!!
ANOTHER place I have yet to visit…kinda embarrassing all the places I haven't gone yet, esp. since I'm born and raised here!
I hear that, Gem! Born and raised and still missing so much!
Fortunately for me, I live close to Mauna Ala and have made it a point to visit several times. It's like being in a different world as soon as you go through the gate! Thanks, "Mom," for sharing your visit!
Glad you all enjoyed the post. It's definitely a neat spot.