This pretty, little green clapboard and shingle church is one of my favourite churches, and in my opinion, one of the most beautiful churches in Kauai. Located on Kauai’s North Shore, the Wai’oli Hui’ia Church in Hanalei is a popular photographer’s spot right on the main highway just a few blocks from the famous Hanalei Bay beach. The church is named for the stream that begins in the green mountains and ends in Hanelei Bay. Wai’oli means joyful water. The church is surrounded by a garden with lovely trees, ferns and creeping vines with picturesque jagged mountains in the background.
Although the congregation was established in 1834, the church was built in 1912 when the governor of Kauai gave the land to the congregation. Today,the doors remain open during the day and visitors are welcome. Inside, the church has a airy Pacific feel with high ceilings and large outward, opening windows. The beautiful stained glass windows include the rich colours of the surrounding sea, land and sky. This church was part of a mission station which included a home for the preacher, a school for Hawaiian boys and accommodations for the teacher. If you visit Kauai, be sure to visit this popular site.
