The Wai`oli Mission was established for the missionaries to Hawai`i by the American Board of of Commissioners for Foreign Missions who would visit from other missions in the Hawaiian Islands.  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 members 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 Mission Hall is the oldest surviving church building on the island of 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, assisted by George Rowell and Edward Johnson, carried the Gospel to persons along the Northern coastline of Kaua`i. 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 to spend over 20 years as educational missionaries, developing this school, which was a pioneer in vocational training as well. The Wai`oli Mission School was well attended, and trained teachers to go throughout Kaua`i and Ni`ihau. This is now the Hanalei Public School.

 

In 1912 the present Wai`oli Church building 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 which houses 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 Wai`oli Church grew under the guidance of the Hawaiian ministers. By 1945 the Wanini Church and the Ha`ena Church had joined the Wai`oli Church to form the Wai`oli Hui`ia Church.

 

Having survived two previous hurricanes, Hurricane Dot and Hurricane Iwa, both the Wai`oli Hui`ia Church Sanctuary and the Wai`oli 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 places.

 

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

 

Wai`oli Hui`ia Church extends a cordial welcome to all to worship with us on Sunday mornings, and at special services throughout the year. Residing in the legacy of the past, 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.