Maria Lanakila Catholic Church - Image 1
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Maria Lanakila Catholic Church

4.8
·326 reviews·Lahaina, United States

A historic Catholic church in Lahaina, Maui, miraculously untouched by wildfires, serving as a symbol of hope and resilience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Experience a spirit-filled Mass

CrowdMedium
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Maria Lanakila Catholic Church - Image 1

Maria Lanakila Catholic Church

Best Time

Sunday mornings

Experience a spirit-filled Mass

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Catholic church in Lahaina, Maui, miraculously untouched by wildfires, serving as a symbol of hope and resilience.

4.8
(326 reviews)

"Truly a house of God. Rarely have I felt so close."

Vertical photo
TIP

🙏 Witness a Miracle

Visit to see the church that miraculously survived the Lahaina fires, a powerful symbol of hope.

🎶 Enjoy Local Music

Experience beautiful singing and hymns, sometimes in native languages, during services.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Miraculous Survival

Miraculous Survival

Lahaina, Maui

This historic Catholic church miraculously remained untouched by the devastating wildfires that swept through Lahaina.

Beautiful Architecture

Beautiful Architecture

Interior and Exterior

A simple yet stunning concrete church with beautiful statues and a serene atmosphere, offering a peaceful sanctuary.

Community Gathering Space

Community Gathering Space

Church Grounds

Hosts community events like 'Lights for Lahaina,' fostering reflection, healing, and resilience.

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Planning Your Visit

A Beacon of Hope

Maria Lanakila Catholic Church is a historic landmark in Lahaina, Maui, renowned for miraculously surviving the devastating wildfires. Visitors often describe it as a symbol of resilience and faith amidst destruction. Plan your visit to witness this inspiring site.

Community and Reflection

Beyond its survival story, the church is an active place of worship and community gathering. If you're looking for a spiritual experience or a moment of quiet reflection, attending a service or simply visiting during open hours can be deeply moving.

Best Times

When
Sunday mornings
Why
Experience a spirit-filled Mass
Crowd
Medium
When
During open hours
Why
Quiet reflection and prayer
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A histórica #igreja católica Maria Lanakila, em Maui, #Havaí, permaneceu intacta apesar do grande #incêndio que destrui praticamente toda a ilha. Segundo a imprensa local, os moradores consideram que isso foi "um milagre". Apesar de não ter destruído a estrutura, o fogo atingiu parte do telhado, mas ainda não se sabe o quanto comprometeu o prédio. A igreja foi construída em 1846. #TikTokNotícias
@metropolesoficial
269.1K likes • 3.6M views

🙏 Witness a Miracle

Visit to see the church that miraculously survived the Lahaina fires, a powerful symbol of hope. Instagram+1

🎶 Enjoy Local Music

Experience beautiful singing and hymns, sometimes in native languages, during services. Reddit

Maria Lanakila Catholic Church in Lahaina Maui still standing and untouched by the Maui wildfire.
letsdailybread
0 likes • 550 views
A miracle? A Catholic church reportedly remains untouched by the wildfires as a symbol of hope in Hawaii Around 67 people have died in the wildfires that has almost totally destroyed the Lahaina town in Hawaii’s Maui. While according to local reports coming out, Maria Lanakila, a Catholic church in Lahaina has remained untouched by the fire. Maria Lanakila, which translates to Our Lady of Vict...
sachinettiyil
2.1K likes • 30.4K views

💖 Feel the Welcome

Parishioners are known for being welcoming; you'll feel like part of the local assembly. Reddit

🏛️ Admire the Statues

Appreciate the detailed statues, including a notable one of Damien of Molokai. Reddit

Very Rev. Chris Alar, MIC, is hearing that Maria Lanakila (literally, “Victorious Mary,” or Our Lady of Victory) Catholic Church, the parish that miraculously survived the Maui wildfires, has a Divine Mercy Image enthroned within. For complete homilies, listen to “Homilies from the National Shrine” on your favorite podcast platform. Link in bio!
thedivinemercy
19.4K likes • 250.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🙏 Witness a Miracle

Visit to see the church that miraculously survived the Lahaina fires, a powerful symbol of hope. Instagram+1

🎶 Enjoy Local Music

Experience beautiful singing and hymns, sometimes in native languages, during services. Reddit

💖 Feel the Welcome

Parishioners are known for being welcoming; you'll feel like part of the local assembly. Reddit

🏛️ Admire the Statues

Appreciate the detailed statues, including a notable one of Damien of Molokai. Reddit

🕊️ Peaceful Atmosphere

The church offers a serene and spirit-filled environment for quiet contemplation. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(326 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Maria Lanakila Catholic Church for its spiritual atmosphere, welcoming community, and the profound inspiration derived from its miraculous survival of the Lahaina wildfires. Many describe attending Mass as a deeply moving experience, highlighting the beautiful singing and heartfelt homilies. While the church itself is a beacon of hope, some visitors note that the surrounding areas are still in recovery.

"One of the best experiences I have ever had at church. Such a beautiful setting. Small, local assembly, windows looking out at the Maui countryside. Beautiful singing, wonderful homily. We felt so welcome and wish we could go here every Sunday. Truly a house of God. Rarely have I felt so close."

Aaron B (Foodie Dad)

"A stunningly gorgeous church and service. Was truly a blessing to get to attend and enjoy Mass here on vacation!"

Stephanie Butcher

"Beautiful Catholic Church! We were so fortunate to have visited this Church on our recent vacation to Maui. It was the site of a miracle when it survived the Lahaina fires, untouched, a few years ago. We stopped in around 3:00 on a Sunday afternoon and we're delighted to participate in a beautiful Sunday service with the local parishioners. Highly recommend a visit to this Church!"

Thomas Soptick

What People Like

Miraculous survival story
Welcoming community
Spirit-filled Masses

What People Dislike

Surrounding recovery areas

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Maria Lanakila Catholic Church is located in Lahaina, Maui. If you are driving, it's accessible via local roads. Parking availability can vary, especially during services or events. TikTok

Yes, the church is a well-known landmark in Lahaina and is generally accessible to visitors. It's advisable to check for any temporary access restrictions due to ongoing recovery efforts in the area. Instagram

From Ka'anapali, you can drive south towards Lahaina. The journey is relatively short. Consider using a GPS app for real-time directions. TikTok

Maui has a public bus system (Maui Bus) that may have routes serving Lahaina. Check the Maui Bus schedule for routes and stops closest to the church. TikTok

While the church itself miraculously survived, surrounding areas may still be undergoing recovery. It's wise to stay informed about local conditions and follow any guidance from authorities. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, tickets are not required to visit Maria Lanakila Catholic Church. It is a place of worship and is generally open to visitors during specified hours. Instagram

Visiting hours can vary, especially as the church is an active place of worship. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current hours, particularly if you wish to attend a service. Instagram

There is no admission fee for attending Mass. Donations are always appreciated to support the church's operations and upkeep. Reddit

Yes, the church is often open for visitors to quietly admire its architecture and serene atmosphere outside of Mass times. Reddit

While generally open, visitors are expected to be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. Dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor. Reddit

🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience

Its most remarkable feature is its miraculous survival of the 2023 Lahaina wildfires, standing untouched amidst widespread devastation. It's considered a symbol of hope and resilience. Instagram+1

You can expect a spirit-filled and welcoming experience, often with beautiful singing and homilies. Some services may include hymns in the native Hawaiian language. Reddit

Visitors often admire the beautiful statues, including one of Damien of Molokai, and the overall serene and spiritual ambiance of the church. Reddit

Absolutely. The peaceful atmosphere and the church's history make it an ideal place for quiet contemplation and prayer. Reddit

Yes, the church grounds have hosted events like 'Lights for Lahaina,' focused on reflection, healing, and community resilience. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's important to be discreet and respectful, especially during services. Avoid flash photography during Mass. Instagram

The exterior of the church, especially with the surrounding landscape (even if showing recovery), can be very photogenic. Capturing the contrast between the intact church and any surrounding signs of the fire can be powerful. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in many areas, especially around religious sites and residential areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone. Instagram

If you are attending a private event like a wedding, it's best to ask the couple or the officiant for permission before taking photos. Instagram

The soft light of early morning or late afternoon can be beautiful for exterior shots. Interior shots will depend on available light and may require a higher ISO setting on your camera. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Maria Lanakila Catholic Church offers a peaceful and inspiring environment for families. While it's a place of worship, its story of survival can be a powerful lesson in resilience for children. Attending a service can be a unique cultural experience, with beautiful singing that can captivate young minds. Reddit The church is generally welcoming, and the serene atmosphere can provide a calm moment during a busy vacation. Consider visiting during open hours for a quieter experience if your children are sensitive to crowds or noise. Reddit

🙏 Spiritual Seekers

For those on a spiritual journey, Maria Lanakila Catholic Church is a must-visit. Its miraculous survival has imbued it with a profound sense of divine protection and hope. Attending a Mass here offers an opportunity to connect with a vibrant, welcoming community and experience worship that is both traditional and deeply moving, often enhanced by local musical traditions. Reddit

The church's serene interior and the presence of significant religious art, like the statue of Damien of Molokai, create an atmosphere conducive to prayer and reflection. Whether you are Catholic or simply seeking a moment of peace and spiritual connection, the church provides a sanctuary where you can feel a strong sense of the sacred. Reddit

📸 Photographers & History Buffs

Photographers will find Maria Lanakila Catholic Church a compelling subject, particularly due to its dramatic survival story. Capturing the intact structure against the backdrop of Lahaina's recovery offers a powerful visual narrative. Instagram The simple yet elegant concrete architecture and interior details, such as the statues, provide ample opportunities for striking shots. Reddit

History enthusiasts will appreciate the church's age, dating back to 1846, and its role as a survivor of significant historical events. The church stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Lahaina and its community. Visiting the church offers a tangible connection to the past and a poignant reminder of the town's resilience. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Miracle of Maria Lanakila

Maria Lanakila Catholic Church, meaning 'Victorious Mary' or 'Our Lady of Victory,' holds a profound significance, especially after the devastating wildfires of August 2023. While the flames consumed much of Lahaina, the historic 165-year-old church miraculously stood unscathed. This survival is widely regarded as a miracle by locals and visitors alike, offering a powerful symbol of hope and resilience amidst widespread destruction. Instagram+2

The church's construction, described as being made of stone or masonry, is often cited as a factor in its survival, offering greater resistance to fire compared to other materials. Reddit Despite the surrounding devastation, where rectory, parish offices, and classrooms were lost, the church structure remained intact, a testament to its enduring presence. Reddit This remarkable preservation has made it a focal point for reflection and healing for the community. Instagram

Beyond its survival story, the church is a vibrant spiritual center. It continues to host masses, weddings, and community events, providing a sanctuary and a place for people to connect. Visitors often remark on the welcoming atmosphere and the beautiful singing during services, making it a deeply moving experience. Reddit

Experiencing the Church Today

Visiting Maria Lanakila Catholic Church offers a unique blend of historical significance, spiritual solace, and community connection. Many visitors are drawn by the story of its miraculous survival, finding it a deeply inspiring place to reflect on faith and resilience. The church's simple yet beautiful concrete architecture, adorned with meaningful statues, creates a serene environment conducive to prayer and quiet contemplation. Reddit

Attending a Sunday Mass at Maria Lanakila is a highly recommended experience. Parishioners and visitors alike describe the services as spirit-filled and incredibly welcoming. The choir's performances, sometimes featuring hymns in the native Hawaiian language, add a rich cultural and spiritual dimension to the worship. Reddit This sense of community and warmth makes visitors feel like they are part of the local assembly, even if just for a short while. Reddit

Even outside of Mass times, the church is a place of peace. Its doors are often open, inviting visitors to step inside, feel the warm air, and absorb the tranquil atmosphere. The presence of statues, such as the one of Damien of Molokai, adds to the spiritual richness of the interior. Reddit For those seeking a moment of respite or a connection to something greater, Maria Lanakila offers a profound and memorable experience.

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