Experience the Spirit of Aloha at The Awakening Church: Maui's Rooftop Worship Sanctuary
Aloha,
fellow seekers of faith and adventure!
If you're planning a trip to the beautiful island of Maui and looking for a church experience that's as breathtaking as the surrounding paradise, let me introduce you to The Awakening Church. As a local photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing the heart and soul of this unique congregation, and I'm excited to share their story with you.
A Church Unlike Any Other
Perched atop a school building in Kihei, The Awakening Church offers more than just a Sunday service – it's a 300-degree visual feast of Maui's stunning mountains and ocean vistas. But the view isn't the only thing that sets this church apart. Led by the passionate Füssle family, The Awakening is on a mission to help people say "YES" to God in the most creative and relevant ways possible.
The Füssle Family: Hearts of the Church
At the helm of this vibrant community are Pastor Stephen Füssle and his wife Amber, along with their five children: Ka'iulani, 'Elele, Alaka'i, Ka'ena, and Kūlani. This family doesn't just lead from the pulpit – they're hands-on in every aspect of church life. From Amber's soulful worship leading to the kids pitching in with setup and tech support, the Füssles embody the spirit of aloha in all they do.
Awaken Nights: A Rooftop Encounter with God
One of the most magical experiences at The Awakening is their monthly Awaken Nights event. Picture this: as the sun sets over the Pacific, casting a golden glow across the island, worshippers gather on the rooftop for an evening of intimate praise and connection with God.
I recently had the opportunity to photograph one of these special nights, and the images tell a story of community, joy, and spiritual awakening:
The evening begins with prayer and fellowship, as friends old and new greet each other with warm hugs and bright smiles.
Children, including little Kūlani being carried around, are an integral part of the gathering – a testament to the church's family-friendly atmosphere.
As the worship team takes the stage, led by Amber's heartfelt vocals and guitar, the crowd joins in, arms raised in praise.
Behind the scenes, Ka'iulani manages the tech, ensuring the lyrics and visuals flow seamlessly on the screens.
The fading daylight gives way to the warm glow of string lights, creating a magical ambiance that seems to blur the line between heaven and earth.
A Church for Everyone
What struck me most about The Awakening is its genuine welcome to all. As their website states, "We want to welcome you to a different church encounter where real people and families can come as they are and connect with God in an accepting and authentic environment." This isn't just talk – you can feel the sincerity in every interaction, every smile, and every outstretched hand.
Join the Awakening
Whether you're a Maui local or a visitor to our beautiful island, The Awakening Church invites you to experience God's love in a fresh, vibrant way. Sunday services are held at 9:30 am at 650 Lipoa Pkwy in Kihei. Can't make it in person? No worries – you can also join online through their website: https://www.theawakening.org/
And don't forget – every 4th Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm, you're invited to Awaken Nights for an unforgettable evening of rooftop worship.
The Awakening Church is more than just a place of worship – it's a community that embodies the spirit of aloha, welcoming all with open arms and open hearts. Whether you're seeking spiritual renewal, a sense of belonging, or simply a unique Maui experience, The Awakening offers a church encounter like no other. Come as you are, bring your whole family, and prepare to be awakened to God's presence in paradise.
Mahalo for allowing me to share this special place with you. I hope my photos and words have given you a glimpse into the beauty and warmth of The Awakening Church. If you're ever in Maui, stop by and experience it for yourself – you might just find your spiritual home away from home.
