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.

Posted on December 31, 2011 in Maui, History, Lifestyle, Makena, Maui