St. Joseph School Students & Leadership Visit Sister Rose Anette Ahuna
December 8, 2025
The Franciscan Sisters began running the girls’ school in 1900, establishing a strong foundation for Catholic education in Hilo. In 1944, the purchase of land at Ululani and Hualalai Streets secured the future site of St. Joseph Elementary and High Schools. Just a few years later, in 1948, the boys’ and girls’ schools were consolidated on the new campus, enrolling 963 students.
The Franciscan Sisters continued their ministry at St. Joseph Parish for many decades before departing in 2009. After their departure, several Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians from India came to serve the parish, remaining until 2011.
Students and staff recently had the special opportunity to visit one of the most influential Franciscan educators from that era: Sister Rose Anette Ahuna, a Franciscan Sister of the Neumann Communities, retired religious educator, and 63-years perpetually professed. Sister Rose Anette served as principal of St. Joseph School during the 1970s and 80s, forming generations of students through faith, discipline, and compassion.
Sister Rose Annette poses with her grand niece, current Head of School, Maile Kipapa.
Accompanying the group were Head of School Kumu Kipapa and Athletic Director Mr. Mike Costales, who was once a student under Sister Rose Anette. Reflecting on his memories, Mr. Costales shared with a laugh, “Sister Rose Annette was my Biology teacher—she was tough, man! She then became my principal and later my boss when I became a teacher myself at St. Joseph after graduating.” The visit was filled with warm stories and heartfelt reconnections.
Mr. Mike Costales, Athletic Director, SJS Alumni c/o 81, pictured with his previous teacher, Sister Agatha.
Senior Campus Ministers Connor and Jaselle spent meaningful time with Sister Rose Anette, who graciously welcomed the group and offered a tour of her living quarters at Kaneohe Plaza. The visit was especially meaningful for Kumu Kipapa, who is Sister Rose Anette’s grandniece—known to her simply as Aunty Lei Ahuna.
Sister Pat and Sister Rose Annette share memories with Connor and Jaselle.
Also present during the visit were Sister Charlene, Sister Pat, Sister Agatha, and Sister Theresa. Sister Theresa has long accompanied Sister Rose Anette in her ministry, and her presence added to the sense of warmth and community felt throughout the gathering. The sisters were overjoyed to reconnect with their former student, Mr. Costales, now a beloved leader at the school.
Connor, Jaselle, and Coach Mike, captured a photo with Sister Pat.
This special visit served as a beautiful reminder of the enduring bonds within the St. Joseph School ‘ohana and the lasting legacy of the Franciscan Sisters who helped build its foundation. This sisters mentioned what a great Christmas present the visitation from St. Joseph School was for them. Sister Pat shared with heartfelt emotion, “I miss Hilo so much, and I wish I could go back to visit. Having all of you here today feels like the most wonderful Christmas present.”
Group Capture at Kaneohe Plaza: Sister Pat, Connor Faletoi, Jaselle Kamaka-Mauhili, Sister Theresa, Sister Rose Annette, Sister Charlene, Kumu Kipapa, Coach Mike Costales
Go Cardinals!