Star of the Sea Painted Church
A historic church famed for its vibrant interior paintings and its dramatic relocation to escape lava flows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To best appreciate the vibrant paintings
Star of the Sea Painted Church
Best Time
To best appreciate the vibrant paintings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic church famed for its vibrant interior paintings and its dramatic relocation to escape lava flows.
"The peace of Mary just hovers around this place...almost feels like entering an aquarium."
🙏 Support the Church
Consider a donation to help maintain this beautiful, historic painted church. Trinkets are also available for purchase.
🎨 Admire the Art
The interior paintings are the main draw, creating a unique, immersive artistic experience.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 133 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Father Gielen's Masterpiece
Interior
Vivid scriptural scenes painted by Father Evarist Gielen, creating a mesmerizing, deep temple effect.
The Relocated Sanctuary
Exterior
A historic church moved to safety from lava flows, showcasing resilience and community effort.
Statue of Mary Fountain
Front entrance
A serene statue of Mary with a trickling fountain, evoking a sense of gentle love and peace.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Church on the Move
A Sanctuary of Art
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🙏 Support the Church
Consider a donation to help maintain this beautiful, historic painted church. Trinkets are also available for purchase.
🎨 Admire the Art
The interior paintings are the main draw, creating a unique, immersive artistic experience.
💧 Peaceful Atmosphere
The church offers a profound sense of peace, enhanced by the gentle sound of the Mary fountain.
🚗 Explore the Area
This church is a wonderful stop while exploring the Puna district and its unique volcanic landscape.
Tips
from all over the internet
🙏 Support the Church
Consider a donation to help maintain this beautiful, historic painted church. Trinkets are also available for purchase.
🎨 Admire the Art
The interior paintings are the main draw, creating a unique, immersive artistic experience.
💧 Peaceful Atmosphere
The church offers a profound sense of peace, enhanced by the gentle sound of the Mary fountain.
🚗 Explore the Area
This church is a wonderful stop while exploring the Puna district and its unique volcanic landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently moved by the profound peace and mesmerizing artwork within the Star of the Sea Painted Church. The story of its relocation adds a compelling layer to its charm. While no longer an active parish, its artistic and spiritual ambiance remains a significant draw for those exploring the Puna district.
"Was blessed to attend a First Friday Mass here! The church no longer has a tabernacle, but it seems occasionally there will be a Mass said here.
The peace of Mary just hovers around this place. There is a small statue of Mary with a fountain in the front; the trickling reminds one of the gentle love of Mary. Then entering the church almost feels like entering an aquarium, if that makes any sense— but instead of colorful tropical fish, there are colored paintings all about the walls.
My favorite is the painting behind the altar, because it is a mesmerizing work that creates depth and makes one feel one is inside of a very deep temple. The same charm that classical cartoons bring to me— their lovely water-colored artwork— I receive from this place. The works are impressive, too; they are not amateurish.
Go here, and then ask Mary for blessings— she never fails!"
Jeffrey Viviani
"Beautiful church. Definitely make sure you visit if you're in the area. The ceiling is beautifully painted. This church was moved here after a volcano eruption threatened to destroy it a few years ago."
Matthijs
"We loved this stop on our journey around this part of the island. A beautiful little church with a wonderful story. Bring a few extra bucks to buy trinkets to fund their work."
Rich Shockey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Star of the Sea Painted Church is located in the Puna district of Hawaii Island. It's best accessed by car, as it's part of a scenic drive around the area.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the church for visitors.
Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring the Puna district, allowing you to visit the Star of the Sea Painted Church and other unique volcanic sites at your own pace.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not required to visit the Star of the Sea Painted Church. Entry is generally free, though donations are greatly appreciated.
While the church is a historic site, it has been decommissioned and may not have regular public hours. It's best to visit during daylight hours to appreciate the exterior and any accessible interior art.
There is no set admission fee, but visitors are encouraged to make a donation to support the upkeep of the church and its artwork.
The church has been decommissioned and no longer has a tabernacle, but occasional Masses may still be held. It's advisable to check for any scheduled events if you wish to attend a service.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the church to capture its beautiful artwork. However, always be respectful of the sacred space.
The interior, especially the ceiling and altar paintings, offers stunning photographic opportunities. The exterior with the Mary statue and fountain is also picturesque.
While not explicitly stated, it's always good practice to be mindful and avoid intrusive photography, especially if a service is taking place.
🎫 🌟 Onsite Experience
Built in 1927-1928, the church is famous for its interior paintings by Father Evarist Gielen. It was also famously moved in 1990 to save it from an advancing lava flow.
The interior is adorned with vivid, scriptural paintings by Father Gielen, creating a mesmerizing, deep temple effect that reviewers compare to classical cartoon artwork.
The Star of the Sea Catholic Church has recently been decommissioned due to declining populations in the area.
You can expect to see beautiful, colorful paintings throughout the church interior, a statue of Mary with a fountain outside, and a sense of historical resilience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit