326 Desha Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
Malia Puka O Kalani (Mary, Gate of Heaven) Catholic Church stands in Keaukaha, a 600-acre section of Hilo situated between Hilo Bay and Hilo International Airport.
In 1921, U.S. Congress passed the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, designating portions of land owned by the former Kingdom of Hawaii for Native Hawaiian homesteads. Local Catholics received approval from the Hawaiian Homes Commission in 1928 to establish a Catholic Church in Keaukaha. The Rev. Martin Dornbush, SS.CC., then pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Hilo, assumed responsibility for the development of the new parish.
In 1934, Father Dornbush used lumber from an abandoned chapel in Kaiwiki to construct a large hall in Keaukaha to serve as a temporary worship and community space. A new 120-seat church, dedicated to Mary, Gate of Heaven, was solemnly blessed April 7, 1940.
Today, the parish still preserves traditional Hawaiian culture in its liturgical environment and celebrations.
The sanctuary features the original artwork of Ken Charon and Julianna Ziegler, as well as handcrafted Hawaiian Koa wood furniture, and pieces from New Zealand.
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