The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization for men, founded in 1882 by Father Michael J. McGivney to provide charity, unity, fraternity, and patriotism. Members provide financial support for their families through an insurance program and engage in charitable works, such as helping the disabled, stocking food banks, and supporting persecuted Christians. The organization is devoted to serving the Church and community through good works and promoting religious liberty, family life, and public matters of faith.

Council 5000 is the original Council in the State of Hawaii. Founded formally on May 28, 1962, in Honolulu, Hawaii. However, prior to the official formation of Council 5000,  just after World War II and with the permission of then Bishop James J. Sweeney as well as a change in Hawaiian law allowing the Knights to sell insurance, the Knights of Columbus established a presence in the islands. The establishment of Council 5000 helped pave the way for the Hawaii State Council to be founded in 1980, fostering further growth of the Order in the state.