St. Augustine by the Sea

A very solemn place to pray. They have daily masses (Monday-Saturday) at 7AM. The mass takes around 30 minutes since there’s no choir on weekdays. Entrance to the church on weekday mass is behind the church (small brown gate) by the parking area. The priest’s homily is spot on the Gospel. We attended the Thursday and Saturday masses, but we didn’t get the chance to join the Sunday service. They say Sunday masses has choir. They have 4 masses every Sunday from morning to afternoon. People are nice and the place is very clean. It’s just across Waikīkī beach, and people wearing casual clothes are ok to join. Just be modest, of course.

Great church by the beach. Participated in a service, and it was beautifully listening to songs and hymns in the Hawaiian language. The parishioners dressed nicely in the traditional regalia.

Beautiful church with daily Mass most mornings at 7am. To get in during the week you need to go through the parking lot gate and down a long, narrow sidewalk to an open door.

Attended Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday Mass with my wife. The Church’s Architecture is amazing, it unique and just beautiful. But the thing that brought me near tears was the Choir singers at Easter Mass. Their performance was amazing, they were spectacular and their voices were just inspiring and heart warming. They made it such an inspirational experience. Bless you every choir member, you are inspiring. Peace and Love to St. Augustine Church parish.

A Catholic Church held in a beautiful building. Mass was lovely with a great singer to lead the parish in song.

Saint Augustine by the Sea is amazing! Very good and very beautiful Church! The priest had a great homily about be kind and compassionate to another! Without doubt I strongly recommend Saint Augustine by the Sea! Know Our Savior Jesus Christ loves you and have a great day!❤️😃✝️⚓️🌊🙏🌴

My wife and I are Ukrainian Catholic and the mass was Roman Catholic. It was great to come in and attend mass while on holidays even if the service is little different. The church is beautiful, the people welcoming and the singing was excellent. We loved the piano.

A beautiful church and service. The day I visited on my quick trip to Waikiki, I got to witness a couple renewing their vows and celebrating a 40th anniversary at 7am mass. The service was uplifting and just a really beautiful church! Made the day perfect!!

What more could you ask for when you are on vacation in Waikiki? I was able to participate at Mass on First Friday and morning Mass on Sunday. A lovely parish and beautiful litugy.

Mass on vacation can't compare to this! A beautiful church just across from the beach that I can walk to and with many Mass times to choose from. The stained glass in the back was amazing and possibly was the most beautiful thing I saw in my vacation. The priest kept it nice and tight and as you would imagine in a high tourist area, attire was pretty casual.

My friend Rita M had just visited Oahu recently and posted a family photo at St Augustine. I bookmarked it for my own trip and attended the 6:00 AM Sunday mass, easily walkable from my Airbnb. Despite the gloomy weather that was due to approaching Hurrican Hone , I enjoyed the morning service, Father and male pianist/cantor. The interior is gorgeous, and mahalo to the parishioner at the front who offered to take my photo in front of the altar so I didn't have to take a selfie. The stained glass is an awesome sight, it's too bad that the full view of the church from the beach is hindered by none other than an ABC Store. So friendly, they were even having a bake sale that morning.

6am mass It is so nice to come here when we are in this island. Glad they have early mass schedules when needed. Very "Ohana" and they are so organized and friendly.

Beautiful church with friendly church body, and traditional Catholic mass across the street from Waikiki beach. No need to miss mass while on vacation!

A beautiful and peaceful church. I've attended mass and dropped by several times to pray when I'm in town and I have always felt wonderful and welcome here.

"...But we'll keep you close as always. It won't even seem you've gone... 'Cause our hearts in big and small ways Will keep the love that keeps us strong..." -- Michael W. Smith Memorial Service for Margaret Mary Stafford (also known as Iris) was held at St. Augustine By The Sea (Catholic Church) in Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii on December 1, 2022. My mom's classmate was a wonderful person and this venue was perfect for remembering Aunty Margaret Mary. We arrived at the private parking lot on Ohua Street. We were handed a parking pass for the valet across the street at Marriott Beach Waikiki Resort & Spa. My car was driven back across the street at the open lot that belongs to Marriott. Mom and I entered from the parking lot because the side door is an exit only onto Ohua Street; and the main entrance has been locked up to prevent the vagrants from damaging the property. We walked along the path which runs along the side of the church and restrooms. Inside, the air conditioning was minimal, but the acoustics were great! The high, arched ceiling made the interior feel really spacious and grand! I liked the kahili decorations, the statue of Saint Father Damien, and the stained glass windows that showed The Missionaries of 1854. Yes - this church is vintage! However, it did have signs of modernization. The automatic Holy Water dispenser was awesome! You don't have to dip your fingers into a bowl that others have touched! After the service, we went to a different building to have lunch. The doors and windows were open to make use of the fresh air. Other people sat outside on the lawn, in the shade, and enjoyed catered Chinese cuisine from Aunty Margaret Mary's favorite: On On Restaurant! It's a beautiful venue that will remind me of Aunty...

The parish priest is excellent! I look forward to listening to him every Sunday. His sermons are clear, concise and relatable adorned with a good choir. Enjoy the mass, Hawaiian Style.

came for 6am mass and walked out to a beautiful sunrise! i can always appreciate a good mass when im on vacation

A beautiful and welcoming church in Waikiki. For anyone looking to attend while the wonderful Tongan choir is singing, they've moved from the 5 pm mass to the 10 am mass on Sundays. They moved masses during COVID and decided not to move back.

There is a small parking lot with black metal gates. I would recommend finding parking elsewhere is possible. It is located in Waikiki so parking will almost always be a problem. Perhaps Zoo parking or a lucky street find. Walk into the parking lot which is mountain side, opposite from Waikiki beach. Continue to the right side if church. One will pass a couple of restrooms along the path. One will emerge into a small courtyard. Make a sharp right and there is the entrance to the church. (This 411 is because there are many doors and gates around the property but only 1 main entrance to enter). Beautiful service. Priest is barefoot. Hawaiian touches here and there. Older pews. Mask need to be worn. Beautiful voice from piano lady. About an hour long.

I just love this Parish. Padre Lang is a direct to the point priest I'd say one of the better ones. His homilies are awesome. If you're visiting please come on in for the Mass keep the sabbath holy. God Bless. And pray for all those that have fallen away.

We got married at St. Augustine Church in November 2021. Our original wedding date was in May 2020 but we had to postpone the wedding multiple times due to COVID-19 restrictions. Going through the marriage preparation process in 2020 with Phil Paragoso and the rest of his team was such a valuable experience. It gave us the opportunity to deepen our faith and relationship and to build a stronger foundation for our marriage. We were able to connect with other engaged couples who were also going through the process of getting married and other married couples who have experience. For the wedding ceremony, Phil did an amazing job coordinating the ceremony and working with our day-of-wedding coordinator for set up and throughout. During the planning process, Phil sent us templates to fill out so we could choose the readings, prayers, and different roles for our families and friends. The church has rules and he will answer questions on what is allowed and not allowed. He is experienced with the Filipino traditions so we were also able to incorporate that during our ceremony. It was a beautiful ceremony and it went smoothly with their coordination. The church is beautiful and loved our experience getting married there. Father Akiona held a beautiful wedding mass that our family and friends enjoyed and appreciated. We definitely recommend getting married at St. Augustine Church!

The church is lovely and sits in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. Acoustics are amazing. The homily is full of Aloha and Grace, fellowship and neighborly embrace. We love enjoying mass island wide and mass in Waikiki is a treat as locals from the Windward side.

Oh!how I love to visit churches when I'm out of town. Very nice and solemn church. I would live to go back again when I'm in Hawaii

we attended 5pm mass on christmas eve. it was a wonderful service in a beautiful church.

I would have loved to have given a higher rating for this parish, but I just can't after what I witnessed during the Christmas 2017 mass at 5 p.m.. My husband and I had arrived about 30 minutes early to secure a parking spot and a seat upfront. We were about five pews from the alter, so we were pleased with our timing. As the start of the mass drew near, the pews began filling up quickly. There was a couple that sat next to us and as the mass continued on, it was obvious the young woman sitting next to me was not Catholic, but her other half was (I noticed him quietly explaining to her what to do). It was cute seeing him trying to teach his faith to her and she willing to be out of her comfort zone for him. When it was time for Communion, I heard him softly whisper to her as he gestured with his hands how to go up and receive the body and blood of Christ. At that point, I should have told them that she should instead cross her arms in front of her chest to receive a blessing as she may not have even been baptized, yet, but she definitely didn't seem to have received neither her Confirmation nor her First Communion. However, by the time I had processed what was happening, they had jumped another line to receive the host. At that point, I figured the Eucharistic Minister would be trained to catch it and politely just give her a blessing. On our way back to the pews, an elderly woman who sat further up, abruptly pulled the young lady who sat next to me off to the side and proceeded to scold her for taking the Eucharist. A more appropriate time to address and discuss the matter would have been after the mass was over not during Holy Communion. The young lady was practically in tears and the couple decided to leave the mass early almost forgetting her purse. I felt so bad. Unfortunately, because of this experience and the off-putting way the members of this parish insert "the way we do things here" throughout the mass, makes for an unwelcoming atmosphere-- and on Christmas day nonetheless! Although I understand the necessity for these "FYI segments" to occur due to the many tourists that come and go here, it is odd and sticks out like a sore thumb. A smile and greeting along with a flyer with all of these "rules" distributed by the hospitality ministry upon entry would have sufficed in informing the public without it being taken the wrong way. I frequent quite a few Catholic parishes and I honestly have never been to one this strict before. It saddens me when I do not feel like returning.

Beautiful church and right in the center of waikiki beach. We just had our destination wedding ceremony at St Augustine on dec 23. I was so worried that the church won't allow it since the timing was so closed to christmas. Thank God the church was available. Phil is the wedding coordinator at the church and he is Awesome! We traveled to hawaii twice to go see Phil before the wedding and both times he guide us through the whole ceremony progress. He also arranged a rehearsal for us the night before the wedding. He is very organized. He patiently guided everyone and explained their responsibility for the ceremony. On the day, i don't have to worry about anything as he has everything under control. The piano and the song are beautiful. He was able to arrange our blessing in hawaiian language. He will slipped a little surprise here and there during ceremony. We come back the next day for our christmas mass celebration. :)

Our first visit to this Church on Easter Sunday. Was a little hesitant to go because we haven't been to actual Mass in over 2 years due to Covid (had been doing it by live stream at our Church back home). So glad we came here. Such a beautiful Church! Haven't seen the inside of a Church like this before, and the stained glass back area of the Church is just awesome! Took pics with the family after Mass in front of it. The priest and his homily were perfect for Easter. Liked that he was a little funny too! The Tongan choir that sang was something else, just wow! Such strong and beautiful voices. Only downside was the parking lot is really small, but good thing we just walked from our hotel 2 blocks down. Again, a great Church to visit!

Beautiful church, beautiful mass. I happened to walk past it while strolling the beach. It's under construction but don't let that fool you just how beautiful the place is inside. The priest was personable. You could relate and laugh with him. It felt like you knew him even if it was your first encounter. They have a little bit different tradition for Eucharist but they tell you. No sense in worrying if it's any different than your local parish. When I come back to Hawaii, I will be back to this church.

This beautiful Church is right on Waikiki, making it convenient for visitors. The homilies are consistently good, with on-point messages for their audience. The music is fantastic, playing songs I enjoyed singing in my childhood.

I usually stop by Waikiki 2x a year on my way to the Philippines from Virginia and vice-versa... I discovered how welcoming this church is! Father Lane usually gives an eloquent very clear sermon! He is also funny and well-loved! And oh, the choir is heavenly!! I really really feel like I'm in heaven when they sing!! I bought the choirs DVD to play it before I go to bed. I've been to many many churches around the world, but I get stressed out because I can't understand the sermons even tho delivered in English. No one can match Father Lane's very clear distinct voice!!! I like spending Christmas & Holy Week here bc I feel more holy....

Beautiful church inside. The architecture is outstanding with tall arches. I stumbled in when a mass was going on and the choir was outstanding. It's a large church with lots of seating.

Great church, Priest gave amazing sermon, and everyone was welcoming. Nice location right by the beach for a nice walk after service. Very large parish and well kept.

This is a wonderful church. It has the island spirit throughout, without disrespecting the Holy Spirit. It's quite large and has these impressive stain glass windows (big fan of the stain glass) which are beautiful. The high ceilings make u feel small and God is way up high and omnipotent. Cuz HE is. We attended the 5pm Saturday mass and I was surprised at how many people were there. Are they regulars or tourist like us, needing to maintain our spirituality away from home? (We miss you, St Joe) We felt welcomed and not like a visitor. The presiding father for mass was hilarious and very gracious. He's the only priest for this parish, but he is a host to many who pass thru his doors ( come on, even if ur a priest, U'd still wanna visit Hawaii for a conference than some other places, like Pittsburgh- no offense PA). Great homily, Padre. My main reason for this review is the churches choir. (Hold on, I'm wiping the tear from my eye). The primary singer sang Heavenly! I could not see her from my pew, but she sounded like an angel and I truly imagined her with feathery wings that whispered while they fluttered, "God loves you" during her songs. It was a true blessing to be in her musical presence. When mass adjourned, I left feeling refreshed and renewed, as I often do when I leave mass. I Was very happy we choose this Marriott hotel, because St Augustine is directly across the street. Save the sinners, St Auggie. Waikiki is what Las Vegas is to Nevada. Well, capitalistically speaking.

This was the only Catholic church that allowed me and Hubby to get married during the holiday season. It was the first church I attended Sunday mass when I first arrived in Honolulu back in 1996. Then, over the years...I admit I got lazy. But I am glad we were able to say our own vows in this beautiful and large church (although you won't know it's a church from the outside because it's situated between two taller buildings). The church exterior is more beautiful now than I remember it before and love, love, love the new almost pearl white aisle as well as the stained glass by the main church entrance. Plus because it was Christmas, the church was almost all decked out and we save $$$ on church decor for the ceremony *woot* The only reason it lost one star point from me, it's not because of the church itself but the wedding coordinator. He's efficient and all, just slow when it comes to emails and phone calls.

Very gorgeous church! Too bad, it is hidden behind an ABC store. hahahaha. Located directly across the street from Waikiki Beach, St. Augustine by the Sea Catholic Church is an awesome place to attend mass if you are visiting Oahu as the priest and parishioners are very warm and friendly. The church itself is gorgeous with very high pointed ceilings, colorful, detailed stained glass windows and a really long aisle(for those who want to get married here. ) The priest that did the mass was the same priest that visited the church my hubby attends in North Hollywood (St. Charles of Borromeo). He was a really friendly guy and we chatted with him after mass was over. The choir is also really wonderful and they sang in English and Hawaiian. I felt at home here! I love attending mass here when I am visiting Oahu. FYI: Parking can be challenging as the church has a small parking lot. I highly recommend coming early or if possible, walk to church from the the hotel you are staying at, if it is near by of course! :)

We came from a ABUSIVE CULT called the HONOLULU CHURCH OF CHRIST located on keeaumoku street. they were DISHONEST with our money and started to run SCAMS on the island.... it took us a long time to ever put trust in another church....... we highly recommend visiting the st augustine church the building is clean and orderly. and the folks are very friendly and nice. we highly suggest coming here.

Great service, beautiful singing and very meaningful message by Fr Lane on opening your ears and listening to the word of God and truly understanding the message given by God.

I loved this church. For being in one of the busiest areas of Waikiki, once you entered into the church you felt like you were completely secluded from the rest of the world. I also loved how the church was a wonderful blend of both traditional Roman Catholic elements and traditional Hawaiian images. It made for a very fresh feeling during mass. Usually I don't feel like going to mass while on vacation, but I'll definitely be returning if I'm ever in Waikiki on a Sunday.

St. Augustine is a very beautiful church with priests who deliver meaningful homilies.

Since Hawaii is my favorite vacation destination I have made St Augustine Catholic Church my second parish church. Father Lane is so nice and has educated me and many on the wonderful life of both St Damien and St Maryanne Cope. I became so inspired that I visited Kalaupapa National Historical Park on Molokai where they both dedicated their lives to providing spiritual and medical care to those with leprosy. While it is not a inexpensive side trip to go on for at least one day, it is well worth it. Not only will one see where St Damien lived out his life and the little church he called home but one will also experience a trip back in time when life was much simpler in Hawaii. Mahalo to father Lane for the great knowledge and experience he has given me.

St Augustine Church Waikiki Here is the first thing my parents noticed, look there is an ABC in front of the church. I think this is the only place that has stores as stores in front of the church. Either the building codes in Waikiki are so corrupt that Mayor Harrison made illegal deals that included having ABC in every single Waikiki corner including Churches that he left the state even richer than we know of. Do not be surprised to hear piano/ organ music. For being in Waikiki, it surprises me that the music is not - you know- better. There could be so many more musicians willing to play upbeat contemporary music similar to the Protestant churches having recently. I get it, not all the time but at least every now and then some upbeat music can be worshipful. The music though is 1960's contemporary, maybe to make those that are visiting and elderly seem able to fit in after walking in from Kalakawa Ave. I don't wear beach clothes to church, I still remember signs in the Vatican that says in English "no bikinis" to all the American tourists (girls) that think it is just another sight to see. There are those that do walk in from the beach and I haven't seen anyone say anything to them but it would make me uncomfortable. Thing I am most proud of is that they have both Mother Maryann and Father Damian (Saint now) statues and more information about the work they did on Molokai with the patients. (Living on Molokai has made me sensitive to the language we use, they no longer have leprosy as it is curable now with medicine.) Molokai is so small that they do not have many chances to go big on huge projects especially in the churches - so it is great to see a church on Oahu that Father Damian did spend time in have a memorial and info about his life and work. Church services are normal mainland church expectations. Homilies cover basic gospel. The priest always welcomes new comers as it is a very in and out church with many many visitors/ tourists. There are a few community members that help with the Father Damian literature and with mass services. The church does offer food and meals to the homeless community so that is important. The community is really sensitive to the local needs of those around the church. Parking can be a pain in the butt. It is Waikiki, so it surprises me how many people do drive and don't go somewhere that has easier parking. There is a lot but it is only so big- and do not have an emergency but plan to stay in church for the whole service as cars park in front and behind to get every possible inch used. Taking the bus though on Sundays is good. Car-pooling is best. More info can be found on their website or in person: St. Augustine by-the-sea Church has ministered to Catholics in Waikiki - residents and visitors - for almost 160 years. Its history began not long after the first Catholic missionaries, priests of the Congregation of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, arrived on our shores. Founded in 1854, it was the third parish church established in the fledgling Hawaii Catholic Church, which was beginning to grow after a period of persecution in the 1830s. Today, a modern beacon in Waikiki with its striking neo-Gothic architecture and its dramatic stained glass, St. Augustine's beginnings were modest indeed. The first parish church in Waikiki was a temporary chapel built under the direction of Fr. Modestus Favens, ss.cc.,It was constructed on the beach of coconut fronds and pieces of timber that had washed ashore.

We moved to Honolulu from Kansas and went to several (4 in all) churches and felt that immediate connection to St. Augustine. The church is beautiful, the music is angelic, and Father gives his homily that leaves you wanting more. I'm proud to call St. Augustine our home church. As others mentioned parking is tight. We have gone to Sunday masses at both 8 and 10. In all instances if you are there at least 20 min. Prior to start of mass, you will find a spot to park.

Daily Mass: Monday to Friday 7am and 5pm, Saturday at 7am and 5pm (Sunday vigil) Sunday Mass: 6,8, 10am, 5pm Air-conditioned church. Great service and homily. My favorite part is the choir ~ they sound like angels singing.

I attended Mass on February 17, 2019. It was the most inspirational service as the priest was very gifted and the homily explaining the Beatitudes was the best I have heard. The guitar and singing made me feel a bit of Heaven. I am certain the Angels were singing as well. What an awe inspiring experience I will forever remember. Karen E. Russell La Jolla, California

Wonderful evening mass. I was feeling stressed prior, felt immediate sense of peace and warmth walking in and clarity during the mass, especially during the homily. So convenient to walk to on Waikiki! Mahalo!

What a beautiful church! I've been traveling a lot lately and have been attending different Roman Catholic churches in different cities and states. I have seen this church many times in passing while visiting Waikiki. I finally went to mass here this past Sunday. From the street, it doesn't seem that large, but once you walk in behind the gates, you'll be amazed at the size of it. The inside is bright, clean, extremely spacious and has beautiful stained glass windows. There was a visting priest from another church there this weekend, but nonetheless he gave a great homily. The choir is very talented and adds so much feeling to the mass. The only difference I've seen in this church compared to others is how everyone remains standing during communion. Also, many homeless people sleep outside of the gates of the church throughout the night, but leave before the 6am mass (Sunday) begins. This church makes me wish I lived in Hawai'i and got married there... it's beautiful and perfectly sized for the community (and Christian-Catholic visitors) in Waikiki. I'll be back!

A majestic church with a ceiling that directs your eyes towards Heaven. We went to Sunday mass and the island flair added to the already beautiful celebration was unique. They sang what has to be my favorite version of "Lord, I Lift Your Name on High" with bongo drums and everything! Fr. Lane is a warm person who gave a laid back and interactive homily with a serious message. It is customary in this Diocese for the whole congregation stand during communion as a symbol that we are united as one body in Christ. It as an interesting custom with a great meaning but I still prefer to kneel post communion. Overall, an enjoyable way to experience one's Catholic faith from a Hawaiian cultural perspective.

This is a beautiful church and i'm not saying that just because I'm Catholic. Once you walk in you will notice the beautiful architecture of the church. The high ceiling and arches resembling the inside of a boat. The stain glass windows are beautiful. I am just in awe when I come here. Great place to have a wedding in Waikiki because of the long aisle.

Beautiful Church, Choir is awesome and the Priest's homily was very well preached. He was understandable and he incorporated current events into it so that the message was portrayed. The congregation is very inviting and the ALOHA SPIRIT is definitely embedded into them.

Not your typical building behind an ABC store. It's a beautiful church with a wonderful service to follow. You can definitely feel the spirit if aloha! I loved every second of praise inside while visiting on vacation. I will definitely return when I am back in Waikiki.

I've been here several times. Once as a child when I went as a child with my family and then two years in a row on the first Sunday after New Years. The choir, the priest and the Mass itself was wonderful...especially in paradise. There is nothing more amazing than hearing Christmas songs in Waikiki. I want to get married here someday to a wonderful Catholic guy.

I have been a member of this parish for almost 4 years now. This is a very tourist filled church, because it is in the heart of Waikiki. That is okay though, because it's cool to see people from all over come together at mass. My favorite is Father Lane. He keeps it so real all the time. He addresses controversy and gets right to the point, while keeping it meaningful and spiritual. The church itself is over 50 years old and has beautiful stained glass art everywhere. At the 5pm mass the Tongan choir sings. They are sooooo beautiful. I enjoy singing along with them pretending I speak the language since I've picked up the lyrics as they often project them onto the wall. It can get crowded, especially during holidays. The lot is small, but you can just pile on in and block people. Just try to be courteous and leave promptly.

Beautiful church, convenient walk from many beachside hotels. Pastor is great and parishioners were lovely.

The church is in the center of Waikiki tourist area. It is beautifully maintained and it has ample space. I attended 8am Sunday mass. The choir was excellent, guitar music, the singing great. They explain their specific Honolulu Diocese rules, prior to the beginning of mass; very nice, taking in consideration all the people from all over the world -like me-that visit this church that don't know the specifics rules. We enjoyed the service very much.

"All are welcomed"... but not really. Aloha spirit.. errr not from what I saw & experienced. Not kid friendly at all... which is odd... as it's a church. They have guys in the back that monitor how loud a child gets then kicks the mother and child out!?!? Saw it with my own eyes...Kid wasn't even that loud. Wasn't 2014 the Year of the Family? How much have we forgotten in this short time period. Tourist don't even try to wear board shorts, you will not even get in the front door (once again, guys watching the doors judging you). Totally get that you want to keep the level of respect high... but would you kick a homeless man out? John 4:7. I will pray for their parish tonight. I hope that others don't judge the Catholic Church by the actions of this parish.

Went to Easter mass at St. Augustine. It's a beautiful church but even I (as a tourist) was irritated by all the tourists. Since when is it ok to take pictures during mass....seriously!!

This is an amazing community of worship. Pastor Lane is so warm and welcoming. The liturgy,and music ministry is beautifully orchestrated. We love going to Mass here. I hope Pastor Lane stays there a long time.