KA'AHUMANU CHURCH
Aloha,
Mahalo nui loa for your support of Ka’ahumanu Church.
Kaʻahumanu Church stands as a noble and virtuous testament to the resiliency of congregation and community in our small town of Wailuku since before the arrival of the missionaries here on the island of Maui. The history and mana of this wahi pana (storied place) located at the foot of Mauna Kahalawai leading to Iao valley was once the Royal Compound of King Kahekili. The last ruling King of Maui before Kamehameha united the islands.
It is not only a place of worship but also a significant cultural and historical landmark here on Maui. The present building was built in 1876. This church stands as a testament to the rich history of Hawai'i and its people. It is a symbol of the enduring legacy of Queen Ka'ahumanu and the early Hawaiian missionaries John Honoli'i and Thomas Hopu. The church's unique New England simple style Gothic architecture adds to the aesthetic and historical value of the Wailuku community.
Through the years, the church has faced deterioration due to weather and age, necessitating restoration work to preserve its structural integrity and historical significance. It’s historical significance is matched by its ongoing contributions towards the community, allowing itself to be a gathering place for community events, services, and youth programs. Ensuring that it continues to serve future generations is of crucial historical importance. The proposed restoration project includes critical repairs to the steeple, roof, interior sanctuary, and related infrastructure. These efforts will ensure that the church continues to serve as a safe place for Hawaiian worship, celebrations, and community gatherings.
Many of you in the community have driven by this iconic building. Admired the shade of the monkey pod tree. Enjoyed live music under that same shade. Fed the feral chicken population. Attended funerals, weddings, rummage sales, and other events. It is old and historic building but not a museum. The current building is 149 years old. The congregation still gathers for worship. It is a small and faithful group. We are a part of your community and you are all a part of our community. Many of you know us. We are ohana, friends and neighbors.
Some of you have lived here your whole life but haven’t visited or been inside of it. We say to you. E komo mai. Come. Truly it is not as intimidating as it looks. E komo mai. Come. Inside this historic building within your community you find a small Hawaiian church. Nothing fancy but a place that feels like home.
After many years of work restoration and preservation is becoming a reality. Architectural, structural work is now complete. The building permit is complete. A project manager has been hired. Bid request have gone out and have been received. Now we needed funds and it is a lot. The amount needed is $2,000,000.00.
It has been a long journey to get to this place we are at now. There will be fundraisers. There will be grants written, there will be conversations, there will be begging. Lots of pule (prayer). Over the years we have reminded ourselves that Akua does not want us to fail but to succeed. In God’s time. The time is now. The ho‘ailona (signs) are all around us.
We ask our community to support this project with your donations. We ask for your continued support. Support in pule for this project. Support sharing of a grant or other funding source with us. Support in sharing the need with others.
Please reach out and contact any of us to donate or just to kukakuka (talk story) and share ideas.
Kahu Wayne Higa – kahuwayne@live.com