Mother Marianne Cope, O.S.F., brought the first group of seven Sisters with her to Hawaii in 1883. At the personal request of Queen Kapiolani, Mother Marianne came to Maui in 1884 establish Malulani Hospital and St. Anthony Girls' School. The Queen herself named the hospital "Malulani" after a personal visit. It means "under the protection of Heaven."

In January 1884, Sr. Antonella was assigned to supervise the St. Anthony's School for Girls. During the boat trip from Oahu, Sr. Antonella was soaked and never recovered from the cold she caught that day. She lived with the Sisters at Malulani Hospital during the one short year given her to carry on her labor of love, for at its close death claimed her. Sr. Antonella rests in the cemetery across the St. Anthony complex. Father Leonor petitioned the Board of Health to release Sister Benedicta from her duties at Malulani Hospital. The request was granted, and for three years Sister Benedicta served as principal of St. Anthony, supervising the work of the lay teachers. Sister Benedicta was succeeded by Sister Antonia, who was in charge until 1903.

In 1922, the Sisters had a cottage built where they were able to live away from Malulani Hospital. The Sisters accepted charge of the Maui Children's Home, which was built near the hospital and the school. Many of the children attended classes at St. Anthony schools.

In 1923, St. Anthony Girls' School served as a novitiate for postulants entering the Franciscan Order, until the novitiate near St. Francis Hospital was completed the following year. Classes for postulants were held separately from those of the other girls. The Novice Mistress was Sister Bernadette.

In 1928, Father Justin, the pastor, requested eight more sisters. This was impossible on short notice. The Sisters left to take care of other work. In September of 1928 they transferred the duties of the School and the Maui Children's Home, of which they had had charge for five years, to the Maryknoll Sisters. 

For forty-five years, the Sisters of St. Francis, pioneers of Catholic Education in the islands, labored zealously and unremittingly for the girls of Wailuku and surrounding districts. The frame buildings which still accommodate the music classes are a tribute to the zeal of the Sisters and to the generous cooperation and loyalty of their pupils.

After leaving Wailuku, the Franciscan Sisters founded the Sacred Hearts Grammar School in Lahaina.

Franciscan Principals of St. Anthony Girls' School

1884-1928 and 1971-1972

• 1884 - 1885:     Sr. Mary Antonella
• 1885 - 1888:     Sr. Benedicta
• 1888 - 1903:     Sr. Antonia
• 1912 - 1927:       Sr. Mary Leonilda
• 1927 - 1928:      Sr. M. Teresa
• 1971 - 1972:       Sr. Claudia