Kahului Hawaii Temple: A New Chapter in Maui
The announcement of the Kahului Hawaii Temple marks a significant occasion for residents of Maui and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the region. Slated for construction at 1300 Maui Lani Parkway, Kahului, Hawaii, this Temple is the first to be located on the island of Maui.
Kahului Hawaii Temple
On October 1, 2023, during the October General Conference, Prophet Russell M. Nelson shared the exciting news about the Kahului Hawaii Temple. This development is particularly noteworthy as it will be the third Latter-day Saint Temple in Hawaii, joining the Laie Hawaii Temple, dedicated in 1919, and the Kona Hawaii Temple, which is currently undergoing a major renovation and was dedicated in 2000. Previously, many members traveled approximately 110 miles to reach the Laie Hawaii Temple on the island of Oahu.
The roots of The Church in Hawaii date back to 1850 when missionaries first arrived in the islands. Today, approximately 75,000 members belong to 145 congregations, with over 4,500 residing on Maui.
Location and Specifications
The Kahului Hawaii Temple will be constructed on a 7.6-acre lot at an elevation of 230 feet. The building is projected to cover around 19,000 square feet, though no rendering has been made available to the public as of yet. It’s important to note that there has been no announcement for groundbreaking or site dedication; updates will be provided in the future.
Response to Recent Events
Kahului is situated approximately 25 miles east of Lahaina, an area that suffered devastating wildfires in August 2023, resulting in extensive loss of homes and lives. In response, Church members and other volunteers worked collaboratively to provide essential supplies to those affected. Two stake centers on Maui served as shelters, accommodating hundreds of evacuees. Members of the Kahului Hawaii Stake quickly transformed their gymnasium into a safe space, outfitting it with partitions to offer privacy for families. The Church facilitated humanitarian aid, sending supplies from both local bishops’ storehouses and headquarters in Salt Lake City.
In times of need, the efforts of those affiliated with The Church have shown a strong commitment to supporting each other and the broader community. The construction of the Kahului Hawaii Temple symbolizes hope for many, providing a dedicated space for spiritual reflection and connection in an area that has shown resilience in the face of adversity.
Looking Forward
As updates regarding the Kahului Hawaii Temple continue to unfold, the local members and the broader Church community are eager to witness this new chapter. The Temple will stand as a vital addition to the landscape of Maui, serving the spiritual needs of its members while paying homage to the rich history and culture of Hawaii.