Royal Mausoleum State Monument

Overview

The Royal Mausoleum, known as Mauna Ala (Fragrant Hills) in the Hawaiian language, is the final resting place of Hawai'i's two prominent royal families: the Kamehameha Dynasty and the Kalakaua Dynasty. The site is located at 2261 Nuuanu Avenue in Honolulu, Hawai'i on the island of Oahu and is one of the most important, interesting, historical, and sacred burial sites in the islands. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

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

Directions

Phone Numbers

Links