A cytochrome P450 monooxygenase involved in vitamin D metabolism and in calcium and phosphorus homeostasis. Catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the activation of vitamin D in the kidney, namely the hydroxylation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3/calcidiol at the C1alpha-position to form the hormonally active form of vitamin D3, 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3/calcitriol that acts via the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Has 1alpha-hydroxylase activity on vitamin D intermediates of the CYP24A1-mediated inactivation pathway. Converts 24R,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3/secalciferol to 1-alpha,24,25-trihydroxyvitamin D3, an active ligand of VDR. Also active on 25-hydroxyvitamin D2. Mechanistically, uses molecular oxygen inserting one oxygen atom into a substrate, and reducing the second into a water molecule, with two electrons provided by NADPH via FDXR/adrenodoxin reductase and FDX1/adrenodoxin.