The History of Camp Mokule`ia

Camp Mokule'ia was purchased by The Episcopal Church in Hawaii from the McInerny estate in 1947. The original 2.5 acre site held buildings erected in the 1920's, of which the two-story studio and maintenance shop is only remaining structure. In 1953 an additional strip 40' wide along the highway, the former railroad right of way , was purchased from the Dillingham Corporation, bringing the total area to a little over 3 acres.

For the first 22 years the camp was used on an occasional basis for conferences and Summer Camp by The Episcopal Church. In 1969 the first year-round director was hired, leading to the development of our present Summer Camping and Outdoor Education programs for young people, Church Retreat, Conference, and Rental programs for adults ands families, Elderhostel programs for seniors, and a permanent full-time staff and part-time staff to support them with meals, lodging, meeting places, and programs. Since then users have included a variety of people and groups from all walks of life, who have enjoyed our facilities.

In 1984 a master plan and a major capital fund campaign were developed for the re-building of Camp Mokule'ia, resulting in the construction of the dining hall (1988) and the Lodge (1989), extensive repairs on the cabins (1990-91) and the demolition of the older building (1990). A second round of improvements and refurbishments is currently underway (2005).

Camp Mokule'ia has served three generations of Island, people, as well as many from the U.S. Mainland, and around the world. It has truly become for many, "A Place Apart".