📸 Lanakila Ihiihi O Iehova Ona Kava Church | Historic Charm on the Road to Hana
📝 My Story:
Tucked away in the small community of Keʻanae along the Road to Hana, the Lanakila Ihiihi O Iehova Ona Kava Church is a beautiful piece of Hawaiian history you might otherwise miss.
Built in 1856 from lava rocks and coral mortar, this church survived the devastating tsunami of 1946 that wiped out much of the surrounding village — making it even more symbolic of the spirit and endurance of the Hawaiian people.
The church sits quietly just beyond the Keʻanae Peninsula lookout, surrounded by vivid greenery and black lava rock shores.
We stopped for a few photos and a peaceful moment of reflection. It’s incredibly humbling to think about the stories and history this little church has seen.
If you’re driving the Road to Hana, definitely take a moment to pull over and admire this slice of Maui’s past!
🌎 Location:
📍 Google Maps: Open Lanakila Ihiihi O Iehova Ona Kava Church in Google Maps ➔
📌 Quick Info:
🏙️ City: Keʻanae, Maui
🅿️ Parking: Small parking area nearby at Keʻanae Peninsula
🚻 Bathrooms: Available at nearby Keʻanae Park
🚲 Bike Rentals: Not available
🧭 Travel Tip: Combine a visit here with Keʻanae Lookout and the famous banana bread stands nearby!
📸 Photographer’s Note: Best lighting is late morning when the church is fully illuminated
🛐 Etiquette: Be respectful — this is still an active place of worship
🕰️ Best Time to Explore: Mid-morning to afternoon
♿ Accessibility: Some uneven ground near the church, but generally accessible
💡 Pro Tip:
Try fresh banana bread from Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread Stand — it’s just a few steps away and considered some of the best on the island!
📸 Photography Tip:
Use a wide-angle lens or your smartphone’s ultra-wide mode to capture both the church and the dramatic landscape surrounding it.
The contrast of the white building against the lush greens and black lava rocks is striking!
🎉 Fun Fact:
The Lanakila Ihiihi O Iehova Ona Kava Church translates to "Victory by the Power of Jehovah" in Hawaiian.
It is one of the few structures in Keʻanae that survived the 1946 tsunami — an enduring symbol of resilience.
🌺 Return to Main Hawaii Travel Story
Want to read the full story of our unforgettable adventure across Kauai and Maui?
👉 Click here to explore our complete Hawaii Travel Journal ➔
🗺️ Planning Your Own Hawaii Adventure?
If you’re planning your own trip to Maui (or anywhere across Hawaii), you can find this hidden gem — and many more — on my public travel map:
👉 View My Hawaii Travel Map Here ➔
