Maui Churches Get Creative During Coronavirus Precautions

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The historic Kaʻahumanu Church in Wailuku held its first online service in its 200 year history on Sunday.

The church is among the many religious sites that have transitioned to online services as they seek creative alternatives amid stay-at-home orders and social distancing precautions.

Founded in 1820, Kaʻahumanu Church is located on South High Street, across the street from the Kalana O Maui building.

Kahu Wayne Higa experimented with ways to bring the congregation and visitors together, an plans to offer worship again online on Sundays at 9 a.m.

The service is offered via a live video feed on the Kaʻahumanu Church Facebook page.  The initial service had approximately 359 views.

More information about Kaʻahumanu Church is available at their website.

The Rt. Reverend Robert L. Fiztpatrick, Diocesan Bishop of Hawaiʻi, has extended the suspension of all public worship and gatherings for Maui’s Episcopal churches through at least April 30.  This includes Good Shepherd-Wailuku, Holy Innocents-Lahaina, St. John’s-Kula and Trinity by the Sea-Kīhei.

Bishop Fiztpatrick’s announcement was made in a Youtube message on March 20, 2020.

Last week, the Roman Catholic Diocese in Honolulu announced that the public celebration of Mass will be canceled in all locations, effective at noon on March 17 through Tuesday, March 31, inclusive. “I am dispensing all the faithful from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays during this period,” said Most Reverend Larry Silva, Bishop of Honolulu in an open letter.

“On Friday, March 27, we will reassess the situation and decide about the best course of action after March 31,” said Bishop Silva. “While nothing can fully replace the celebration of the Eucharist,” he said, he encouraged the congregation to keep the day holy by spending time in prayer and reflection.

At King’s Cathedral in Kahului, a Drive-In Church was being offered on Sundays at 7 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.  Those in attendance were able to listen to the message in their vehicle by tuning in to the church’s radio station.  The message was also shared via the church’s various social media platforms and website.

Many other congregations around the island were also reporting adjustments to the social distancing recommendations in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.