“Two years were spent building the Mission House, which was completed in 1837. Mr. Alexander “laid up the chimney” with his own hands, and it stands to this day.
“Deborah Kapule, the dowager Queen of Kaua`i and earnest convert, assisted in establishing the Mission. Governor Kaikioewa of Kaua`i provided the land, and encouraged the Mission in many ways.
“The Mission School was started so that children and adults could read the Bible, which the missionaries translated into Hawaiian. Abner and Lucy Wilcox arrived in 1846 to spend over 20 years as educational missionaries, developing this school, which was a pioneer in vocational training as well. The Wai`oli Mission School was well attended, and trained teachers to go throughout Kaua`i and Ni`ihau. This is now the Hanalei Public School.
“In 1912 the present Wai`oli Church building was given by three sons of Abner Wilcox; Sam, George, and Albert. This shingled church, built in the American Gothic architectural style, has a belfry tower which houses the old Mission Bell. This bell was rung throughout the years, calling people to worship. In 1921 the Wilcox descendants restored the Mission House and the Mission Hall.
“The Wai`oli Church grew under the guidance of the Hawaiian ministers. By 1945 the Wanini Church and the Ha`ena Church had joined the Wai`oli Church to form the Wai`oli Hui`ia Church.
“Having survived two previous hurricanes, Hurricane Dot and Hurricane Iwa, both the Wai`oli Hui`ia Church Sanctuary and the Wai`oli Mission Hall were restored after sustaining significant damage from Hurricane Iniki in 1992. Both buildings are listed on the state and national registers of historic places.
“The Wai`oli Church Choir is well known for its skill in singing for its repertoire of early Hawaiian hymns which are sung each Sunday at the 10:00 AM service.