St. Benedict's Painted Church
A historic Hawaiian chapel adorned with vibrant, hand-painted biblical murals, offering stunning ocean views and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Attend mass, feel aloha spirit
St. Benedict's Painted Church
Best Time
Attend mass, feel aloha spirit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Hawaiian chapel adorned with vibrant, hand-painted biblical murals, offering stunning ocean views and a peaceful spiritual atmosphere.
"A hidden gem with stunning murals and ocean views, offering peace and spiritual reflection. "
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, making arrival easy.
🙏 Donation-Based Entry
Entry is donation-based; contributions help preserve this historic gem.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hand-Painted Biblical Murals
Interior
Vivid, detailed biblical scenes covering the entire interior, painted by Father John Berchmans Velge over 125 years ago.
Ocean Views & Tropical Setting
Exterior
Peaceful chapel on a hillside overlooking Kealakekua Bay, surrounded by gardens and fruit trees.
Father Velge's Artistic Legacy
Interior
Discover the unique artistry of a Belgian priest and self-taught artist who used paintings to teach the gospel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine with Pu'uhonua o Honaunau
Respectful Visit & Donations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, making arrival easy.
🙏 Donation-Based Entry
Entry is donation-based; contributions help preserve this historic gem.
📚 Gift Shop & Info
A gift shop station is available for souvenirs and information.
🌿 Tropical Fruit Trees
Enjoy fresh starfruit and other tropical fruits if in season.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Plenty of parking available, making arrival easy.
🙏 Donation-Based Entry
Entry is donation-based; contributions help preserve this historic gem.
📚 Gift Shop & Info
A gift shop station is available for souvenirs and information.
🌿 Tropical Fruit Trees
Enjoy fresh starfruit and other tropical fruits if in season.
🗣️ Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers like Gwen are happy to share fascinating facts about the church's history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Benedict's Painted Church as a hidden gem, highlighting its stunning hand-painted interior murals and peaceful hillside setting overlooking the ocean. Many appreciate the donation-based entry and the warm welcome from volunteers and parishioners, making it a memorable stop for spiritual reflection and cultural appreciation.
"Two sacred places in Honaunau - Puuhonua Refuge and Painted Church built - are best visited together experience the spiritual life on the Island. One Hawaiian and one Western, both serving higher powers till today... by visiting them you'll forever become part of its history by observing the unity, where people saw differences.
Overlooking the Kealakekua Bay, the very place where Captain Cook took his breath for his arrogance, there is a sense of tranquility. There is peace and harmony here as if Christian Saint Benedict, the founder of monastic order, chose this place himself."
Andre Kochetov
"A hidden gem we discovered thanks to our Airbnb host was the Painted Church (St. Benedict Catholic Church) in Kona. It’s a small, peaceful chapel set on a hillside with stunning ocean views, surrounded by tropical trees, gardens, and even a small cemetery. The setting alone is worth the visit.
What makes it truly special are the beautiful hand-painted murals inside, done over 125 years ago by Father John Berchmans Velge—a Belgian priest and self-taught artist. He created these biblical scenes to help teach the gospel to Hawaiians, which gives the artwork so much meaning. The entire interior, including the ceiling and pillars, is covered in vivid, detailed paintings.
We were warmly greeted by a volunteer named Gwen, who shared fun and interesting facts about the church’s history. Outside, there are fruit trees like starfruit, orange, and coffee. I picked a ripe starfruit and gave it a try—sweet, tangy, and super juicy!
There’s free parking, it’s donation-based to enter, and the whole experience was peaceful and memorable. Definitely worth a stop if you’re exploring the Big Island."
Alex Pan
"On our first trip to Big Island, we stumbled upon this beautiful and historic church after visiting the banana bread spot on our way to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. The second time around, we attended the 4pm Saturday mass and were warmly welcomed with aloha from the parishioners and priest. It was a wonderful service and enjoyed the printed photos that went along with the homily. Beautiful old church."
Alexis Grieves
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St. Benedict's Painted Church is located in Kona, Hawaii. It's often visited in conjunction with Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. Ample free parking is available on-site.
Yes, it's described as a hidden gem, often found on the way to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau. Look for signs indicating the church.
These two sites are relatively close, making them ideal to visit together. Driving is the most convenient method.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to St. Benedict's Painted Church is donation-based. Visitors are encouraged to contribute to help with its preservation.
While specific hours can vary, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. It's also an active place of worship, so check for service times if you plan to attend.
There is no set admission fee; it operates on a donation basis. Your contributions are vital for maintaining the church's beauty and historical integrity.
Yes, the church holds services, including a 4 pm Saturday mass. Visitors have reported being warmly welcomed by parishioners.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted inside to capture the stunning murals, but always be mindful of ongoing services and other visitors.
The entire interior is a photo opportunity with its detailed murals. The exterior offers beautiful ocean views and tropical scenery.
While not explicitly stated, it's always best practice to be discreet and respectful when photographing religious sites. Avoid flash photography during services. +1
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Admire the hand-painted biblical murals, enjoy the peaceful ocean views from the exterior, explore the gardens, and learn about its history from volunteers.
The beautiful artwork and peaceful setting can be engaging for children. It's a good opportunity to teach them about art and history in a serene environment.
Built in the late 1800s, it's known as 'The Painted Church' for its interior murals created by Father John Berchmans Velge to educate Hawaiians about the gospel.
Yes, restrooms are available for visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Outside, the tropical setting with gardens and fruit trees provides a pleasant space for exploration. The church's proximity to Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park also makes it an easy addition to a family-friendly itinerary, offering a blend of historical and spiritual discovery. Remember to encourage respectful behavior within the church.
❤️ Couples & Spiritual Seekers
Attending a Saturday mass can be a particularly moving experience, offering a chance to connect with the local community and partake in a spiritual tradition. The church's history and the dedication of its artists and parishioners contribute to a palpable sense of sacredness.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Father Velge
Visitors often describe the experience of being inside the church as deeply moving. The sheer volume of painted detail, from the ceiling to the smallest architectural elements, creates an immersive atmosphere. It's a place where art and faith intertwine, providing a serene environment for reflection and appreciation of historical artistry.
A Spiritual Haven with Ocean Views
The combination of the sacred space, the natural beauty, and the expansive ocean views creates a unique and memorable experience. It's a place where one can feel a profound sense of harmony, a sentiment echoed by visitors who find it a perfect complement to the nearby Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park, another significant spiritual site.
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