Damien Memorial School Changed Its Name
The Honolulu institution has been renamed Saint Damien School to honor the legacy of Father Damien De Veuster.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Damien Memorial School in Honolulu announced it has officially changed its name to Saint Damien School. The decision honors Father Damien De Veuster, the Catholic saint canonized in 2009 for his service to Hansen's Disease patients.
Why it matters
The renaming aligns the school with the formal sainthood of Father Damien, who is a significant historical figure in Hawaii. His work in Kalaupapa remains a central part of the state's cultural and religious identity.
The school has operated for 64 years since its founding in 1962. More than 8,000 people died in the Kalaupapa settlement where Father Damien served his patients beginning in the 19th century.
The players
Saint Damien School
This co-educational middle and high school in Honolulu was formerly known as Damien Memorial School.
Father Damien De Veuster
He was a Catholic priest canonized in 2009 for his dedicated service to patients suffering from Hansen's Disease.
The details
The school announced the name change in a letter sent to alumni and parents, updating its branding for the first time since the institution opened. The school remains a co-educational institution serving middle and high school students in Honolulu.
Timeline
1866: Deaths began in the Kalaupapa settlement.
1962: The school was originally founded.
1980: Kalaupapa National Historical Park was established.
2009: The Catholic Church canonized Father Damien De Veuster.
September 24, 2026: The school officially announced its name change.
Roadmap
The renaming follows the trajectory set by the 2009 canonization of Father Damien De Veuster. This move updates the school's identity to reflect its namesake's status within the Catholic Church.
Students and families currently associated with the school will transition to the new institutional name for all official records and branding. No changes to the curriculum or the co-educational structure of the school were reported as part of this announcement.
The takeaway
The name change reflects the ongoing influence of religious figures on Honolulu's private education sector. Families should anticipate updated materials as the school fully transitions to its new designation.
Further reading
Learn more about local academic shifts in the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KHON2.
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