In 1938, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet arrived to staff St. Theresa’s School on the island of O`ahu by invitation of Bishop Alencastre of Honolulu. Subsequently, in response to the growing need for children’s education, the sisters opened more schools and catechetical centers in the Hawai`ian Islands. By 1956, the presence of the sisters had expanded, and Hawai`i was made a vice province.

Over the next 60 years, the sisters continued their ministries, and the charism in Hawai`i flourished. Eventually, the sisters in Hawai`i determined they could better serve the dear neighbor if they handed off administrative management of the vice province. In July 2017, the Hawai`i Vice Province officially joined the Los Angeles Province.

As the multicultural population of the state of Hawai`i continues to grow, our sisters strive to respond creatively to the complex and unique needs of its people. At present, they serve in religious education, elder care and senior programs, healthcare, parish ministry, community service and through their prayer and presence.

`Ohana

The `ohana, our lay associates in Hawai`i, formed on the island of O`ahu in 1988 and on Maui two years later. Their community continues to share our charism today. They celebrated 35 years of association in 2024.