Sacred Hearts Academy

In 1909, amidst a tangle of kiawe and guava trees in Honolulu’s Kaimuki district, Sacred Hearts Academy first opened its doors. Eleven Sisters of the Sacred Hearts welcomed fifty-three eager female students. Sacred Hearts Academy wasn’t entirely new. It built upon a legacy dating back to 1859 when a boarding and day school operated near the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace. Bishop Libert Boeynaems, a Sacred Hearts member himself, saw the need for a Catholic secondary school specifically for young women. This vision led to the establishment of Sacred Hearts Academy. The school flourished, expanding its facilities throughout the 1920s to accommodate a growing student body. The Sisters remained at the helm until 1990 when lay administration took over. The spirit of the Sacred Hearts Sisters, however, continues to permeate the campus. Today, Sacred Hearts Academy is a private, Catholic, college-preparatory school for girls from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Their motto, “Orare Et Laborare” (To Pray and To Work), reflects their commitment to both academic excellence and spiritual growth. The Academy boasts a 100% college acceptance rate, and its alumnae have made significant contributions to various fields. Did you know that actress Tia Carrere and Judge Shanlyn A. S. Park are among their notable graduates? Even Hollywood has recognized the Academy’s unique charm. The campus has served as a filming location for popular television shows like “Lost” and “Hawaii Five-0.” Sacred Hearts Academy stands as a testament to the enduring power of faith, education, and the pioneering spirit of the Sacred Hearts Sisters. Their legacy lives on in the countless young women they’ve empowered to become leaders and change-makers.