Welcome to Damien

Founded in 1962, Damien Memorial School is the realization of a dream for an additional Catholic secondary school serving O‘ahu. Damien Memorial is a school named for a Saint, a Priest who cared for the most vulnerable of Hawaii’s population on Molokai during the 19th century; founded and staffed by a Religious congregation whose founder was a wealthy businessman in Waterford, Ireland who was an active member of a society established in the city for the relief of the poor.  Edmund Rice’s favorite charity was the Sick and Indigent Roomkeepers’ Association whose members visited the sick poor in their homes.  

Damien Memorial School is the school of choice for parents and students in Grades 6 thru 12 because it integrates a traditional, coeducational, Catholic, value-centered education animated by the charism of Blessed Edmund Rice, with successful, research-proven Middle and High School Educational Programs in a 21st Century learning environment that prepares the students to be a lifelong learner and a collaborator in the solution to challenges to the social order.

The graduate of Damien Memorial has experienced the infusion of Catholic Social Teaching and Values and the Essential Elements of an Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education into academic courses, activities and athletics as acquisition was being made of advanced technological and learning skills thus has matured in mind, body and spirit and is prepared to be a leader in service to others.  


Our Founders

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The Congregation of Christian Brothers founded Damien Memorial School in the same year that they were commemorating the 200th birth of the Founder of the Congregation, Blessed Edmund Rice:  1962.

Mission Statement

Damien Memorial School guides students from all walks of life to become responsible, respectful and community-minded men and women who are prepared to excel in higher education and are ready for the challenges in their future.  As a community of faith, missioned by the Roman Catholic Church, we espouse the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as exemplified in the Essential Elements of an Edmund Rice Christian Brother Education and through the selfless service of Saint Damien of Moloka'i.  

The Damien Difference

For more than half a century, Damien Memorial School has made a difference in the lives of young people and our Oahu community.

As part of the Edmund Rice School Network, an international consortium of Catholic schools we…


Our History

The founding of Damien Memorial School represents a significant milestone in the history of Christian education in the Hawaiian Islands. Looking back at its modest beginning, Damien became a reality through the vision and determination of a handful of men and the cooperation and generosity of many dedicated people committed to Oahu’s youth. Damien is the realization of a dream dating back to World War II when the need became apparent…

Leadership & Administration

  • Dr. Pua Higa
    Interim Principal

  • Nicole Paishon
    Vice Prinicipal

  • Shawn Sueoka
    Athletic Director

At A Glance

  • A middle and high school, grades 6-12, with a tradition of over 60 years of excellence in Catholic education in Hawaii.

  • Part of the Edmund Rice School Network, an international consortium of Catholic schools across the U.S., Canada and South America.

  • Preparing students for college and challenges of their future.