The first permanent missionaries to the area arrived in 1834, and the district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

Wai ʻoli means "joyful water" or "singing river" in the Hawaiian language.

[2] In 1824, after the royal yacht Haʻaheo o Hawaiʻi ("Pride of Hawaii") ran aground in the bay, a crowd gathered for an attempt at salvage.

Early supporters were island governor Kaikioewa and Queen Dowager Deborah Kapule.

After the Great Mahele the Wilcox family obtained fee simple title to the property.

[6] In 1912 the current church building was built with donations from Sam, George, and Albert Wilcox (sons of the missionary couple, they were born at the station).

[9] The district includes 17 acres (6.9 ha) with the 1836 mission house, two caretaker cottages, and a garage, in addition to the 1841 Hall and 1912 Church.