The Wai`oli Mission was established by American Christian Missionaries in 1834. A pole and thatch meetinghouse was constructed by Hawaiians on the current Mission Hall site in anticipation of the arrival of the missionaries. Following the destruction of two earlier buildings by fire and wind, the congregation began building the timber frame and plaster building in 1837, completing it in 1841. The lime for the plaster was made from coral which was dug at low tide. The mission bell was acquired in 1843 and placed in the belfry behind the Mission Hall, the oldest surviving church building on Kaua`i.

 

William and Mary Alexander, the first missionaries to Hanalei, arrived by double canoe from the Waimea Mission in 1834. During their nine years here, Mr. Alexander, accompanied by George Rowell and Edward Johnson, carried the Gospel along the Northern coastline. Two years were spent building the Mission House, which was completed in 1837. Mr. Alexander “laid up the chimney” with his own hands and it stands to this day.

 

Deborah Kapule, the dowager Queen of Kaua`i and earnest convert, assisted in establishing the Mission. Governor Kaikio`ewa of Kaua`i provided the land and encouraged the Mission in many ways.

 

The Mission School was started so that children and adults could read the Bible, which the missionaries translated into Hawaiian. Abner and Lucy Wilcox arrived in 1846 and spent over 20 years as educational missionaries, developing a school, which was the pioneer in vocational training. The Wai`oli Mission School was well attended, and trained teachers to go throughout Kaua`i and Ni`ihau. This is now Hanalei Public School.

 

In 1912, the current sanctuary was given by the three sons of Abner Wilcox; Sam, George, and Albert. This shingled church, built in the American-Gothic Architectural style, has a belfry tower housing the old mission bell. This bell has rung throughout the years calling people to worship. In 1921, the Wilcox descendants restored the Mission House and the Mission Hall.

 

The church grew under the guidance of the Hawaiian ministers. By 1945, the Wanini and Ha`ena Churches joined Wai`oli to form Wai`oli Hui`ia Church.

 

Having survived two previous hurricanes, Dot and Iwa, the Sanctuary and Mission Hall were restored after sustaining significant damage from Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Both buildings are listed on the state and national registers of historic sites.

 

Wai`oli Hui`ia Church has a continuous record of service since 1834, first as a Congregational Church, and since 1956, as a United Church of Christ.

 

The congregation of Wai`oli extends a cordial welcome to all who worship with us. Residing in the legacy of missionaries, by God’s grace, Wai`oli Hui`ia Church stands ready to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ and is dedicated unto the glory of God.