A Hawaiian church we enjoyed visiting was this one in Hanalei, on the Garden Island. It’s an attractive building in a pretty setting.
There have been several places of worship built at this site. The first two were thatch and pole buildings that were destroyed by wind and fire. Construction of a more permanent timber frame and plaster building began in 1837 and was completed in 1841. The lime for the plaster was made from coral removed at low tide. The church’s bell was acquired in 1843.
In 1912 the current Wai`oli Church building was donated by the Wilcox family. The shingled church was built in American Gothic architectural style, its belfry tower housing the old Mission Bell. The church has survived a number of hurricanes but was damaged by Hurricane Iniki in 1992. The damage has been nicely repaired.
The sanctuary is simple but functional and well-constructed.
The church is listed on the State and National Registers of Historic places.
A Mission school was started so that children and adults could learn to read the Bible, which the missionaries translated into Hawaiian. The school developed a broader educational format, including vocation training, and morphed into the Hanalei Public School.
This is a nice place to stop and stretch your legs when driving the North shore road in Kauai.
