Royal Mausoleum State Monument

located near downtown Honolulu, The Royal Mausoleum is the final resting place for some of Hawaii’s most beloved (and final) royal figures. Local 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 family crest at the front gate.

This monument is off of most tourists radar, yet is a place of historical importance. I highly recommend calling ahead and reserving a tour of this sacred memorial. If anything the family will learn something new about Hawaiian Culture and Heritage.  

The Mausoleum is open Monday through Friday, closed on the Weekends. There is no entrance fee and parking is free. Restroom facilities are also available.

 

Originally built by King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma as a burial site for their deceased four-year old son, Prince Albert, 1858-1862, 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.

Source
 

Charles Reed Bishop (1822–1915) was a businessman and philanthropist in Hawaii. He sailed to Hawaii in 1846 at the age of 24, and ended up making his home there.On May 4, 1850 he married Bernice Pauahi Pākī, descendant of the royal House of Kamehameha, despite the objections of her parents

 Bishop was one of the first trustees of and a major donor to the Kamehameha Schools in Hawaii. He also founded the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum, and founded Hawaii's first successful bank, which is now known as First Hawaiian Bank.

 

 The grounds were beautifully maintained and adjourned with exotic flowers like the ones photographed above.

Down these steps lies the remains of the last reigning Royal Family of Hawaii.




 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.

  Statues of the King Kamehameha (left) and King Kalakaua (right.)

 This Chapel was originally built to to house the remains of the Royal Family, but it was discovered to be too small to fit the entire family.

Guided tours are available to get a more in depth and educational experience by calling (808) 587-0300 and reserving in advance.



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 cemetery.

2261 Nuuanu Avenue Honolulu, HI 96817.