Honolulu
| Honolulu | |
| Type: | |
| Country: | United States |
| Subdivision: | Hawaii |
| Founded: | |
| Total Population: | 350,395 |
| Catholic Population: | — |
| Catholic %: | — |
| Parishes: | — |
| Patron Saint: | Our Lady of Peace (Nossa Senhora da Paz; cathedral dedication) |
| Catholicism Introduced: | |
| Church Status: | Active |
| Historic: | Yes |
| Official Languages: | |
| Notable Catholic Sites: | Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu (Catedral Basílica de Nossa Senhora da Paz), Saint Augustine by-the-Sea Church, Blessed Sacrament Church |
| Catholicism Status: | — |
| Website: | Official Website |
Honolulu is the capital and largest city of the U.S. state of Hawaii, located on the southeastern coast of the island of Oahu. As of 2025 estimates, the city proper has a population of approximately 350,395 inhabitants. It is the seat of the Diocese of Honolulu and serves as the principal center of Catholic life in Hawaii, with the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace as its mother church.
History
Honolulu’s Catholic heritage began with the arrival of Catholic missionaries in the 19th century amid the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Early settlement
Honolulu became the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1845 under King Kamehameha III. It grew rapidly as a port city.[1]
Catholic evangelization
Catholic missionaries from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary arrived in 1827 but faced persecution under Queen Kaʻahumanu. The first Catholic priest, Father Alexis Bachelot, was expelled in 1831. Religious freedom was granted in 1839 under King Kamehameha III. The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, the oldest Roman Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States (outside the original 13 colonies), was constructed between 1840 and 1843. It was elevated to minor basilica status by Pope Benedict XVI in 2014. The Diocese of Honolulu was erected in 1941. The cathedral has served as the mother church for Hawaii’s Catholics ever since.
Modern faith life
As of recent statistics (around 2021–2023), the Diocese of Honolulu reports approximately 170,000–180,000 Catholics (about 13–14% of the state’s population of roughly 1.4 million), with 66 parishes. Honolulu’s Catholic community is diverse, including many Filipinos, Portuguese, Hawaiians, and immigrants from Asia and Latin America. The Cathedral Basilica remains the focal point for major liturgies, and the diocese maintains active ministries in education, healthcare, and social services.
Geography and demographics
Honolulu is situated on the island of Oahu with coordinates at 21.3069, -157.8583 and low elevation near sea level. It has a tropical rainforest climate. The city proper covers 177.2 km². Population approximately 350,395 (2025 estimate). Catholic demographics represent about 13–14% of the local population, with higher concentrations in certain ethnic communities.
Parishes
The Diocese of Honolulu oversees 66 parishes across the state. In Honolulu itself, several historic and active parishes serve the diverse population.
A selection of the most historically or sacramentally significant ones includes:
- Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Honolulu — the mother church of the diocese and oldest Catholic cathedral in continuous use in the United States outside the original colonies.
- Saint Augustine by-the-Sea Church — a prominent parish in Waikiki.
- Blessed Sacrament Church — another notable city parish.
For the complete and up-to-date list of parishes in the Diocese of Honolulu, consult the official diocesan directory at catholichawaii.org.[2]
Government and culture
Honolulu is governed by the City and County of Honolulu. Culturally, Catholic heritage is visible in the historic Cathedral Basilica, religious festivals, and the diverse ethnic Catholic communities. The city blends Polynesian, Asian, and Western influences.
Notable Catholic figures
- No major canonized saints are primarily associated with Honolulu as a birthplace, but the diocese honors many local servants of the Church and missionaries.
Dynamic content
Saints
This list of saints dynamically from the data in the Saints cargo table.
| Saint | Birth Place | Death Place | Notable Address 1 | Notable Address 2 | Notable Address 3 | Notable Address 4 | Notable Address 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Marianne Cope | Heppenheim, Grand Duchy of Hesse, German Confederation | Kalaupapa, Molokai, Territory of Hawaii | St. Joseph's Hospital (historical site), Syracuse, New York, United States | Kalaupapa Settlement, Molokai, Hawaii | Bishop Home for Girls, Kalaupapa, Molokai, Hawaii | Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, 1184 Bishop Street, Honolulu, Hawaii |
Parishes
This list of parishes dynamically from the data in the Parishes cargo table. No results