November 15, 2004

Haili Church Hilo Selvn Chance photo


I was unable to find a photo or drawing of the original Haili Church that was located in the Waiakea Homesteds and was leveled in the tsunami of 1946.

Described as "one of the finest churches in the Islands" in 1857 when the cornerstone was laid, Haili Church was established in Hilo by New England missionaries. Henry Opukahaia, a young Hawaiian was instrumental in establishing this church in hopes that it would end fighting among his people that had taken the lives of members of his family.

Originally planned to be a stone structure, it was built of timber gathered from the Haili Kulamanu forest area when bedrock could not be reached even after digging six feet down. Following a simplified version of Greek Revival used by the New England church in the 1800's, Haili Church features double door entrances separating men from women and a square central bell tower. Voluntary contributions were received to pay for the bell, cast in New England.

Reverends David Belden Lyman (1832-84) and Titus Coan (1836-82) were early missionaries of this Congregational church who influenced and changed Hawaiian culture.

This church became a major center for religious and social activity. By 1869 the number of attendees had swelled to nearly 7000,on a regular sunday. Many Church historian feel that Haili was the largest evangelical body in the Western Hemispher at this time. The Royal Family attended this house of worship when on the Big Island, sailing from Kona and staying at their home in Hilo.

This is a recent photo of the church. It has a membership of about 500 currently. The church also is home to a fine Christian Day School.