Maui

Keawala‘i Church Facts and History

Keawala’i Church

  • Keawala’i Church sits on an ocean side site in the town of Makena.
  • Keawala’i Church was founded in Maui, HI. in 1832
  • Keawala’i Church was built in 1855.
  • The church was first built of pili grass in 1855, but was eventually rebuilt throughout all the years.
  • The walls of the church are made of lava using coral as mortar.
  • In 1856, the bell was purchased for $70 and arrived in 1860. The bell was lifted in 1862.
  • Between 1951 and 1952, the members of the church and ‘good friend’ all came up with ideas and support to refinish and refurbish the inside and outside of the church.
  • In 1968, the belfry collapsed and the members of the church decided to build a new belfry.
  • May 16, 1976 a worship service was held with a rededication and a lu’au.
  • In 1992, members decided to restore the floor. The new floor was finally finished in 1994. The church floor went from Douglas fir to ‘ohi’a (a wood native of Hawai’i).
  • A new cross was created and built in 1992 by Alberto Dafun. The new cross was made out of milo and the base of the cross was made out of koa.
  • November 18, 2006, a ho’olaule’a was held to mark the celebration of 175 years of ministry. The next 18 months, they held a celebration of annual lu’aus.
  • They held themes for all of the events between November 2006 and March 2008.
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Tobi Fisher

January 2, 2012

One of my favorite churches wanted to get married there but it was too small for my 500 guests! I highly recommend stopping by for a visit and Reverend Alika is a gem.

Tobi Fisher

January 2, 2012

One of my favorite churches wanted to get married there but it was too small for my 500 guests! I highly recommend stopping by for a visit and Reverend Alika is a gem.

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