Holy Ghost Mission

Holy Ghost Mission is a small Catholic church in Kula, Upcountry Maui, at 4300 Lower Kula Road. Its white, octagonal shape dates to the late 19th century, and the ornate altar is a highlight inside. Outside, the grounds include a small cemetery and views across the valley toward the West Maui mountains. Portuguese Catholic immigrants who came to Maui to work on sugar plantations later settled in Kula as farmers and ranchers. Visit quietly, and attend Mass if you would like to hear the choir and guitars.

A church shaped by Kula’s Portuguese community

Portuguese Catholics began arriving in Maui in 1879 from the Azores and Madeira, working as contract laborers on the island’s sugar plantations. After completing their contracts, some moved to Kula and became independent farmers and ranchers. The Holy Ghost Church is connected to that community and its Catholic faith.

The church was built in the late 19th century. Its white exterior and octagonal form make it easy to recognize among Kula’s hillside landmarks.

Inside the church and around the grounds

The ornate altar is a focal point inside the small church. If the building is open, take a moment to look closely and keep photography respectful. The grounds also include a small cemetery, where visitors can walk quietly and reflect.

The hillside setting gives views across the valley toward the West Maui mountains. If the church is closed, you can still appreciate its exterior and the surrounding scenery from the grounds. Mass brings the community together, with choir harmonies and guitars as part of the music.