The History of Damien Memorial School
Damien’s Chosen Name
The story of Damien Memorial School began long before its doors opened. In 1946, the Most Reverend James J. Sweeney, then Bishop of Honolulu, attended a celebration honoring Father Damien de Veuster, the beloved missionary known as the Apostle of Molokaʻi. Deeply inspired by Father Damien’s courage and service to others, Bishop Sweeney envisioned a Catholic school in Honolulu that would carry his name and example forward for future generations of students.
That vision eventually became Damien Memorial School, a Catholic college preparatory school in Kalihi serving students in grades 6–12.
The school’s location was made possible when the Houghtailing family offered a parcel of land in Kalihi-Pālama to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu at a nominal cost. In the 1950s, residents of the Kalihi community strongly supported the idea of a Catholic secondary school in their neighborhood and petitioned church leaders to bring the project to life.
The Most Reverend John J. Scanlan, who had been educated by the Christian Brothers, encouraged Bishop Sweeney to invite the Brothers to Hawaiʻi to lead the new school. In 1959, the Christian Brothers formally agreed to build and operate the Catholic school.
Construction of Damien Memorial School began in 1962 on what was then uneven swampland that included four acres of taro patches. Building the campus was truly a community effort. Christian Brothers, students, families, and volunteers worked side by side to clear the land and construct the first facilities. Much of the labor, materials, and equipment were generously donated, reflecting the strong community support behind the school’s founding.
From these humble beginnings, Damien Memorial School grew into one of the largest co-educational Catholic middle and high schools in Hawaiʻi, continuing the mission of forming students in faith, leadership, and service.
From an All-Boys School to a Co-Educational Community
When Damien Memorial School first opened its doors in 1962, it served as an all-boys Catholic high school operated by the Congregation of Christian Brothers. Rooted in the Edmund Rice tradition, the school focused on forming young men of faith, discipline, and leadership through a strong college preparatory education.
Over the decades, Damien Memorial School grew alongside the Honolulu community it serves. As the needs of families and students evolved, the school expanded its programs and opportunities while remaining faithful to its Catholic mission.
In 2012, Damien entered a new chapter in its history by becoming a co-educational Catholic school, welcoming both young men and women into its learning community. Today, Damien serves students in grades 6–12, providing a rigorous academic program, vibrant student life, and faith-centered formation for middle and high school students across Oʻahu.
While much has changed since its founding, the school’s commitment to the values of the Gospel, the legacy of Saint Damien of Molokaʻi, and the educational mission of the Christian Brothers remains at the heart of everything we do.
Today, Damien Memorial School continues to prepare students to live courageously, lead with integrity, and serve their communities, carrying forward a legacy that began more than sixty years ago.
