Our Story.
Read about the history of Reality Honolulu, God’s faithfulness in every moment, and how He is moving among us today.
Our Approach
Reality Honolulu was birthed out of the Reality family of churches through Ryan and Zoe Hillner. As early as 2012, God placed a vision on the hearts of leaders within Reality to plant a new work in Honolulu. For years, the Reality family of churches, along with Ryan and Zoe, prayed and discerned how God might bring that vision to life. Over time, they sensed a clear calling, not to start something from scratch alone, but to come alongside and participate in what God was already doing across the islands of Hawai‘i.
The Launch
In 2017, the Hillner family, along with a small group from the mainland and O’ahu, began seeking the Lord together, praying, building community, and stepping forward in faith. In October of that year, Reality Honolulu began Sunday gatherings at Ali’olani Elementary School in Kaimukī. From those early days, God began to grow the church, forming a community and using it to love and serve the people of Hawai‘i.
Through the Seasons
As the church grew, it also walked through challenging seasons. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Reality Honolulu shifted into video church, smaller house gatherings, meeting in homes and staying connected as best as possible. Even in that time, God remained faithful. In 2021, He opened the door for a new chapter at Ke‘elikōlani Middle School, creating space for vibrant ministry, deeper community, and renewed outreach across the island.
New Leadership
After years of faithful leadership and laying a strong foundation, Ryan and Zoe Hillner passed the baton in the summer of 2026 to David and Abby Elliott. Stepping in as Lead Pastors, the Elliotts now lead Reality Honolulu into a new season continuing the mission to follow Jesus, make Him known, and seek renewal throughout Hawai‘i, with a deep love for the land and its people.
RHNL Today
Today, Reality Honolulu gathers weekly for worship at Ke‘elikōlani Middle School and throughout the week in ‘Ohana groups across the island. These gatherings are spaces to build meaningful relationships, seek God together, and live out the way of Jesus in everyday life.
We are a community following Jesus, making Him known, and seeking renewal in Honolulu.
Our story is still being written and we’d love for you to be a part of it.
