Cornwall shares a unique affinity and kinship with Hawaii. Henry ʻŌpūkahaʻia (1792–1818) was one of the first native Hawaiians to become a Christian, inspiring American Protestant missionaries to come to the islands during the 19th century. He is credited with starting Hawaii’s conversion to Christianity. Henry was the first pupil of The Foreign Mission School, which was an educational institution which existed between 1817 and 1826 in Cornwall, Connecticut.

Opukahaia Places

Cornwall Village

Cornwall Village is home to the former site of the Foreign Mission School. Many sojourners start their journey here.

Cornwall Cemetery

In 1993, `Ōpūkaha`ia’s remains were brought to his native Hawaii, but his original resting place in the Cornwall Cemetery is still widely visited as part of the sojourn.