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Hawaii is a state in the United States, an archipelago in the central [[Pacific Ocean]], known for its volcanic landscapes, diverse multicultural population, indigenous Hawaiian heritage, and unique position as the only U.S. state completely surrounded by ocean. Covering approximately 16,637 km² of land area (with total including water much larger), it has an estimated population of around 1.44 million (as of recent U.S. Census projections around 2024-2025). Catholicism, introduced in the early 19th century through French missionaries of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, constitutes a significant minority religion, with estimates indicating about 8.5% Catholics (122,652 Catholics out of a total population of 1,440,196 as of 2023, per the Annuario Pontificio via Catholic-Hierarchy.org), though some surveys and sources suggest figures around 15-20% in varying contexts. The state is served by a single Latin Rite diocese, the [[Diocese of Honolulu]], a suffragan see of the [[Archdiocese of San Francisco]], encompassing all islands and notable for its multi-ethnic character (including strong Filipino, Portuguese, and Native Hawaiian influences) and associations with saints [[Saint Damien of Molokaʻi|Damien De Veuster]] and [[Saint Marianne Cope]], whose ministries at the Kalaupapa leper settlement on Molokaʻi represent key milestones in Hawaiian Catholic history.<ref name="cath-hier">{{Cite web |title=Honolulu (Diocese) |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dhono.html |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy.org |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref><ref name="gcath-hono">{{Cite web |title=Diocese of Honolulu, USA |url=https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/hono0.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref>
{{AdministrativeSubdivision
{{AdministrativeSubdivision
| subdivision_name = Hawaii
|subdivision_name=Hawaii
| country = United States
|country=United States
| continent = North America
|continent=North America
| region = Polynesia
|region=Pacific / Oceania
| area_sq_km = 16637
|area_sq_km=16637
| population = 1446146
|population=1440000
| catholic_population = 289000
|catholic_population=122652
| catholic_percentage = 20
|catholic_percentage=8.5
| rank_among_religions = 1
|rank_among_religions=Minority (significant but behind Protestant groups and nones in many surveys)
| official_languages = English, Hawaiian
|official_languages=English (de facto); Hawaiian (official)
| capital_city = Honolulu
|capital_city=Honolulu
| date_catholicism_introduced = 1827
|date_catholicism_introduced=Early 19th century (1827)
| catholicism_status = Largest single Christian denomination
|catholicism_status=Significant minority religion with deep missionary roots and multi-ethnic presence
| ecclesiastical_provinces_count = 0
|ecclesiastical_provinces_count=1 (suffragan of San Francisco)
| dioceses_count = 1
|dioceses_count=1
| patron_saints = Saint Damien of Molokaʻi, Saint Marianne Cope
|patron_saints=Our Lady of Peace (Malia O Ka Malu / Our Lady Queen of Peace)
| historic = No
|historic=No
}}
}}
'''Hawaii''' (Hawaiian: Hawaiʻi) is an archipelago and the 50th state of the [[United States]], comprising eight main islands in the central Pacific Ocean, with a land area of 16,637 square kilometres.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hawaii |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> As of July 1, 2024, its population stands at 1,446,146, centred on Oʻahu, home to the capital and largest city, Honolulu.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2024 STATE POPULATION ESTIMATES |url=https://census.hawaii.gov/main/2024-state-pe/ |publisher=State of Hawaii |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Official languages are English and Hawaiian. The economy thrives on tourism, military bases, and agriculture, notably pineapple and macadamia nuts.
The [[Catholic Church]] in Hawaii, with approximately 289,000 adherents (20% of the population), forms the largest single Christian denomination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Hawaii 2024 |url=https://uscanadainfo.com/religion-in-hawaii/ |publisher=USCanadainfo |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Catholicism arrived on July 7, 1827, with French missionaries of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts, enduring initial persecution before the 1839 Edict of Toleration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Honolulu |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Patron saints [[Saint Damien of Molokaʻi]] (canonized 2009) and [[Saint Marianne Cope]] (canonized 2012) ministered to leprosy patients at Kalaupapa. Key sites include the [[Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace]] and the sacred peninsula of Kalaupapa.


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
 
[[Hawaii]] consists of an archipelago of eight major islands (Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kahoʻolawe, Maui, and Hawaiʻi Island) and numerous smaller islets, located about 2,000 miles southwest of the U.S. mainland. The land area is 16,637 km² across volcanic terrain, mountains, rainforests, beaches, and coastal plains. This island geography has shaped Catholic ministry through inter-island travel, remote parishes, and historical missions on islands like Molokaʻi.<ref name="wiki-hi">{{Cite web |title=Hawaii - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref>
Hawaii spans eight principal islands—Hawaiʻi (the Big Island), Maui, Oʻahu, Kauaʻi, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Niʻihau, and Kahoʻolawe—plus numerous atolls, covering 16,637 square kilometres of land amid vast ocean.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hawaii Maps & Facts |url=https://www.worldatlas.com/maps/united-states/hawaii |publisher=World Atlas |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Volcanic in origin, the islands feature dramatic landscapes: active volcanoes on Hawaiʻi Island, Haleakalā crater on Maui, and lush rainforests on Kauaʻi. The tropical climate supports pilgrimage routes, such as trails to Kalaupapa on Molokaʻi, accessible only by mule, hike, or air, enhancing its aura of sacred isolation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=5 Amazing Catholic sites not to miss in Hawaii |url=https://aleteia.org/2024/06/08/5-amazing-catholic-sites-not-to-miss-in-hawaii/ |publisher=Aleteia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
 
[[Hawaii]] was unified under King Kamehameha I in 1810 and became a kingdom, republic, territory (1898), and state (1959). Catholicism arrived amid tensions with Protestant missionaries; the first Picpus priests landed in 1827 but faced persecution until the Edict of Toleration in 1839. The Prefecture Apostolic of the Sandwich Islands was erected in 1825, evolving into the Vicariate Apostolic (1844) and Diocese of Honolulu in 1941.<ref name="wiki-hono">{{Cite web |title=Diocese of Honolulu - Wikipedia |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Honolulu |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2026-01-27}}</ref>
Polynesian voyagers settled Hawaii between the 3rd and 7th centuries. European contact began with Captain James Cook in 1778. Catholicism arrived in 1827 amid Protestant dominance; missionaries faced expulsion until French naval pressure secured toleration in 1839.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hawaii, The Catholic Church in |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/hawaii-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> The Diocese of Honolulu was erected in 1941. Saints Damien and Marianne transformed leprosy care at Kalaupapa (1866–1969), where 8,000 patients were exiled.


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
 
[[Hawaii]] has a population of approximately 1.44 million, with Catholics at about 8.5% (122,652 as of 2023 Annuario Pontificio data). Catholicism is a minority amid diverse faiths (including Buddhism, Protestantism, and "nones"), with strong ethnic influences from Filipino, Portuguese, and Native Hawaiian communities.<ref name="cath-hier"/>
Hawaii’s 1,446,146 residents (2024) reflect diverse ancestry: 37% Asian, 25% White, 24% two-or-more races, and 10% Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hawaii Population 2024 |url=https://uscanadainfo.com/hawaii-population/ |publisher=USCanadainfo |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Catholics number ~289,000 (20%), concentrated on Oʻahu and among Filipino and Portuguese descendants, making Catholicism the largest denomination amid growing non-affiliation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Hawaii 2024 |url=https://uscanadainfo.com/religion-in-hawaii/ |publisher=USCanadainfo |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>


== Catholic church ==
== Catholic church ==
 
The [[Catholic Church]] in [[Hawaii]] is organized under the single [[Diocese of Honolulu]], a suffragan of the [[Archdiocese of San Francisco]], with 66 parishes and missions serving a multi-ethnic population.<ref name="gcath-hono"/>
The [[Catholic Church in Hawaii]] belongs to the single [[Diocese of Honolulu]], a suffragan of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, with 66 parishes and 23 missions serving six islands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diocese of Honolulu |url=https://www.catholichawaii.org/about-us/ |publisher=Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Bishop Clarence Silva leads the diocese, which operates 20 elementary schools, six high schools, and Chaminade University.


=== Structure ===
=== Structure ===
 
As the sole diocese covering the entire state:
Hawaii lies entirely within the Diocese of Honolulu (Latin: Diœcesis Honoluluensis), erected 1941, covering 16,637 square kilometres.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Honolulu (Diocese) |url=https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dhono.html |publisher=Catholic-Hierarchy |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
* [[Diocese of Honolulu]] (includes all islands; mother church: [[Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Honolulu)]])<ref name="wiki-hono"/>
* [[Diocese of Honolulu]] (Honolulu) – encompasses all islands; no suffragans.


== Introduction of Catholicism ==
== Introduction of Catholicism ==
 
Catholicism was introduced in 1827 by priests of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Picpus Fathers), including Father Alexis Bachelot, who arrived July 7, 1827, and celebrated the first Mass shortly after. Early efforts faced expulsion and persecution until religious freedom was granted in 1839 via French intervention.<ref name="wiki-hono"/>
Catholicism was introduced on July 7, 1827, when three priests of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts arrived aboard ''La Comète'', celebrating the first Mass on July 14 in a grass hut.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The First Catholic Parish |url=https://honolulucathedral.org/the-first-catholic-mission-parish/ |publisher=Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Initial baptisms followed, but persecution forced expulsion until the 1839 Edict of Toleration.


== Key historical events ==
== Key historical events ==
 
* Arrival of first missionaries (1827).
* 1827: First missionaries land; Mass celebrated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Heritage and History |url=https://honolulucathedral.org/heritage-and-history/ |publisher=Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
* Edict of Toleration (1839).
* 1839: Edict of Toleration grants religious freedom.
* Groundbreaking for Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (1840).
* 1843: Dedication of Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace.
* Erection of Diocese of Honolulu (January 25, 1941).
* 1873: [[Saint Damien]] volunteers for Kalaupapa.
* Ministries of [[Saint Damien of Molokaʻi]] (1873 onward) and [[Saint Marianne Cope]] (1883 onward) at Kalaupapa.
* 1883: [[Saint Marianne Cope]] arrives with sisters.
* Canonizations: Damien (2009), Cope (2012).<ref name="wiki-hono"/>
* 1941: Diocese of Honolulu erected.
* 2009 & 2012: Canonizations of Damien and Marianne.


== Catholicism status ==
== Catholicism status ==
 
Catholicism is a significant minority religion in [[Hawaii]] (around 8.5%), with historical resilience despite early persecution and a multi-ethnic, growing presence.<ref name="cath-hier"/>
Catholicism is the largest single Christian denomination (20%), enjoying full freedom in a secular, multi-faith society. Historically persecuted, it flourished through immigrant waves (Portuguese, Filipino) and now contributes via education and healthcare.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Honolulu |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>


== Administrative structure ==
== Administrative structure ==
 
[[Hawaii]] has no counties in the traditional sense but five counties (Honolulu, Hawaii, Maui, Kauai, Kalawao) for civil governance. The diocese covers the entire state uniformly.
The first-level administrative subdivisions are the primary geographical and administrative units into which Hawaii is divided for purposes of governance, regional organization, and local administration. Hawaii comprises five counties: Hawaii (Big Island), Maui (including Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi), Honolulu (Oʻahu), Kauaʻi (including Niʻihau), and Kalawao (Kalaupapa peninsula).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hawaii |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii#Government_and_politics |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
 
== Predecessor entities ==
 
Hawaii emerged from the unified Kingdom of Hawaii (1795–1893), annexed as the Republic of Hawaii (1894–1898), then Territory of Hawaii (1898–1959).
 
== Successor entities ==
 
Hawaii became the 50th U.S. state on August 21, 1959.


== Cultural influence ==
== Cultural influence ==
=== Festivals and traditions ===
=== Festivals and traditions ===
 
Multi-ethnic Catholic feasts reflecting Filipino, Portuguese, and Hawaiian heritages.
Catholics celebrate [[Saint Damien]] (May 10) and [[Saint Marianne]] (January 23) with Masses, processions, and lei-draped statues; Filipino Santacruzan processions flourish on Oʻahu.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saints Damien & Marianne Traveling Relics |url=https://www.catholichawaii.org/catholic-essentials/saints-traveling-relics/history-of-hawaiis-saints/ |publisher=Diocese of Honolulu |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>


=== Education and charity ===
=== Education and charity ===
 
Schools include Chaminade University; Catholic Charities and outreach programs.
The Church operates 26 schools educating 7,000 students and charities like Hawaii Catholic Community Services.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Diocese of Honolulu |url=https://www.catholichawaii.org/about-us/ |publisher=Diocese of Honolulu |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>


=== Art and architecture ===
=== Art and architecture ===
 
Historic churches like the Cathedral Basilica and "Painted Church" (St. Benedict's, Big Island).
Coral-block Cathedral Basilica (1843) and “Painted Churches” like Star of the Sea (1928) feature vibrant murals of biblical scenes amid tropical motifs.


== Notable Catholic sites ==
== Notable Catholic sites ==
=== Pilgrimage sites ===
=== Pilgrimage sites ===
 
Kalaupapa Settlement (Molokaʻi, associated with Damien and Cope); Cathedral Basilica.
[[Kalaupapa National Historical Park]] (Molokaʻi), leprosy settlement of Saints Damien and Marianne, draws pilgrims via guided mule rides; annual bishop-led tours.<ref>{{Cite web |title=5 Amazing Catholic sites not to miss in Hawaii |url=https://aleteia.org/2024/06/08/5-amazing-catholic-sites-not-to-miss-in-hawaii/ |publisher=Aleteia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>


=== Historical churches ===
=== Historical churches ===
 
[[Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace (Honolulu)]]; Maria Lanakila (Maui); St. Raphael (Kauai).<ref name="wiki-hono"/>
* [[Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace]] (Honolulu, 1843), oldest U.S. cathedral in continuous use
* [[Saint Benedict’s Painted Church]] (Big Island).


== Saints and blesseds ==
== Saints and blesseds ==
=== Patron saints ===
=== Patron saints ===
 
Our Lady of Peace (patron of the diocese and cathedral).<ref name="gcath-hono"/>
[[Saint Damien of Molokaʻi]] and [[Saint Marianne Cope]], patrons of outcasts and Hawaii.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Father Damien |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Damien |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>


=== Associated saints and blesseds ===
=== Associated saints and blesseds ===
[[Saint Damien of Molokaʻi]] (canonized 2009; ministered to lepers); [[Saint Marianne Cope]] (canonized 2012; worked at Kalaupapa).<ref name="wiki-hono"/>


* [[Saint Damien of Molokaʻi]] (1840–1889), priest; canonized 2009 by Pope Benedict XVI for leprosy ministry.
== Challenges to Catholicism ==
* [[Saint Marianne Cope]] (1838–1918), religious sister; canonized 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI for continuing Damien’s work.
Secularization, geographic isolation, declining school enrollment, and historical issues like abuse scandals.


Hagiographic tradition links early missionaries, but only Damien and Marianne are canonized.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Marianne Cope |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marianne_Cope |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
== Social and political influence ==
The diocese engages in charity, education, and advocacy aligned with [[Catholic Social Teaching]].


== Challenges to Catholicism ==
== Fun facts ==
* Hawaii is home to two canonized saints: [[Saint Damien of Molokaʻi]] and [[Saint Marianne Cope]], both associated with the Kalaupapa leper colony on Molokaʻi—one of the few places with two U.S.-canonized saints linked to its history.
* The [[Diocese of Honolulu]] is the only diocese covering the entire state, spanning an vast oceanic territory with inter-island travel required for ministry.
* Catholicism arrived in 1827 but faced severe persecution until 1839, including expulsions and martyrdoms of Native Hawaiian converts.
* The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, begun in 1840, is the mother church and site of early coral-block construction.
* The diocese includes unique sites like the "Painted Church" (St. Benedict's, painted by a Belgian priest in the late 19th century).


Secularization, declining affiliation, and historical leprosy stigma persist; the Church responds through youth ministries and interfaith dialogue.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Hawaii 2024 |url=https://uscanadainfo.com/religion-in-hawaii/ |publisher=USCanadainfo |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
== Dynamic content ==
=== Dioceses ===
{{State dioceses}}


== Social and political influence ==
=== Populated places ===
{{State Populated Places}}


The Church advocates for life issues, immigrant rights, and environmental stewardship, rooted in [[Catholic Social Teaching]], via schools and lobbying.
=== Shrines ===
{{State Shrines}}


== References ==
== References ==
Line 124: Line 105:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Cite web |title=Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii |url=https://www.catholichawaii.org/ |publisher=Diocese of Honolulu |access-date=2025-11-03}}
* [https://www.catholichawaii.org Diocese of Honolulu]
* {{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Hawaii |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/hono0.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |access-date=2025-11-03}}
* [https://gcatholic.org/dioceses/diocese/hono0.htm GCatholic.org: Diocese of Honolulu]
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