Discovering the Kahului Hawaii Temple
The announcement of the Kahului Hawaii Temple on October 1, 2023, by Prophet Russell M. Nelson during the October 2023 General Conference marks a significant moment for the local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Positioned at 1300 Maui Lani Parkway in Kahului, this will be the first Temple established on the island of Maui, adding to the spiritual landscape of Hawaii.
Kahului Hawaii Temple is located at 1300 Maui Lani Parkway, Kahului, Hawaii
The journey of the Latter-day Saint community in Hawaii began in 1850 when missionaries first set foot on the islands. At the time of the recent announcement, Hawaii was home to two other Temples. The Laie Hawaii Temple, dedicated in 1919, serves as a spiritual center on the island of Oahu, while the Kona Hawaii Temple, dedicated in 2000, is currently undergoing significant renovations. Given that there are nearly 75,000 members spread across 145 congregations in Hawaii—over 4,500 of whom live on Maui—the establishment of the Kahului Hawaii Temple aims to meet the growing needs of the island’s members.
The Location and Size
Situated on a 7.6-acre lot, the Kahului Hawaii Temple will have an approximate area of 19,000 square feet. It will be constructed at an elevation of 230 feet, providing a scenic view of the surrounding landscape. Although no public renderings have been released and there is no announced date for the groundbreaking or site dedication, updates will be shared as they become available.
Address and Proximity
The address of the Kahului Hawaii Temple is 1300 Maui Lani Parkway, Kahului, Hawaii. This location is approximately 25 miles east of Lahaina, an area that faced devastating wildfires in August 2023. Many lives were lost, and communities were severely impacted. In response, church members joined forces with various volunteers, offering critical supplies to those affected, while numerous members opened their homes to provide shelter for the displaced.
Community Involvement
Following the wildfires, two stake centers on Maui transformed into shelters for hundreds. The Kahului Hawaii Stake’s gymnasium was converted in record time to accommodate families in need, utilizing partitions to ensure privacy. The Church also facilitated humanitarian aid from the bishops’ storehouse in Honolulu and headquarters in Salt Lake City, demonstrating its commitment to helping those in crisis.
Looking Ahead
The Kahului Hawaii Temple will stand as the third Latter-day Saint Temple in the Hawaiian Islands, filling a vital spiritual gap for residents of Maui. With the Laie Hawaii Temple approximately 110 miles away on Oahu, the new Temple will offer greater accessibility to the teachings and services of The Church for the Maui community.
As the local members await further details on the construction, the anticipation for this significant addition to the island remains high. The Kahului Hawaii Temple will undoubtedly become a cherished place in the lives of many in the area, reinforcing the shared values and faith that unite them.