St. Benedict’s Catholic Church

GPS is a bit off, church is to the left of the car park. Murals are a little unusual and the church is a little run down.
I didn’t find this church worthy of 5 stars but if you happen to be going to the Paleakula Gardens you could stop by here since there is no charge. 3 stars

As a non-​religious visitor, I had a fun time wandering around the lush foliage while the other members of my tour group went to pray. I did enter the church itself, but I couldn’t follow along with the Pastor’s words, so I left quite quickly.
In general, the church is beautiful and so are its surroundings, but this is really only a brief stop along the large tour you can take on this Hawaiian island. There are a lot of flowers and wildlife around the Painted Church, and it’s a gorgeous place for photos. Really, there was very little information offered up at the location, so you should definitely read up on it online beforehand.

Beautiful place to visit. Read up online, as there’s very little info there about what you’re seeing. But it’s peaceful and popular place.
Mini gothic cathedral w wonderful paintings inside from Victorian Era. Lovely grounds including beautiful cemetery. Local produce n items for sale on honor system.

This is one of the most unusual churches we ever seen. Called the Painted Church because a priest, with no training, in the early 1900’s painted murals on the walls using only a homemade brush and simple wall paint. He wanted the church to be similar to the Cathedrals of the world. Much of the wood is rotting and will need to be replaced soon so the parish will probably be taking on quite a fund raising effort. There was a docent that met us at the door and told us the wonderful story of this old historic church.

Amazing little church tucked away in a nondescript street but holding a ton of fantastic history!
Beautiful gardens lead us into this small church where Father John — who was a self-​taught artist, painted the interior walls of the church with some striking scenes of the Bible which depict various important religious truths
Really cool part was that he used paints donated from the parishioners so it was like everyone helped create this masterpiece
Best & most intriguing part is the 1 mural that depicts Hell has turned all black & blistery & no one can tell why — even experts in the field have tested the woods & paints & can’t find a reason for this 1 mural to be so different from the others… maybe it’s a forewarning to live our lives well!
Whatever the case, this is a must-​stop while on the Big Island & well worth the trip!

This was a deeply moving moment in our stay at Big Island. This fully active Catholic Church was moved literally piece by piece in 1899 by Father John Velghe from the shoreline up towards the mountains to accommodate the population’s move from fishing to coffee farming. The wood that you see is the original wood! This is quite mind boggling consider the records of earthquakes and fires that have happened in the area over the century.
It is nicknamed The Painted Church because of the paintings that Father Velghe himself did. Note this is with no formal art training or modern tools. He literally used flowers as brushes. He wanted a church that would inspire the natives. Having no knowledge of the Hawaiian language he used pictures to get his message across until he had picked up the language. Being of Europe, he painted a cathedral background behind the altar since he couldn’t build an actual cathedral. He also adorned the insides of the church with six murals; 3 depicted messages of how to lead a good life and 3 depicting what happens when you fail to do so. A mystery of the painting of his vision of hell is that despite being painted in the exact same style and manner as his other murals, over time the image of hell has changed to look more surreal almost as if it were melting. The other murals show no change! There are also hidden messages and inscriptions in native Hawaiian translating Biblical messages. You could spend quite some time looking at the details. The docent was very friendly and was a fountain of information. I think he really appreciated us staying and asking questions rather than taking the photo opportunity and leaving. Even if you are not Catholic but want to learn more about the history of the area this is a worthwhile stop on your stay on Big Island.

This church is over 100 years old so likely the oldest church still operating as a local parish. I’ve stop by on my previous visits to the Big Island but 2015 was the first time I came down for the one Sunday Mass (0715). They only have the Ordinary — vernacular — Form, but on the 2^nd Sunday of the month most of the Mass responses are in Hawaiian! The Rosary — in Hawaiian — was already in progress when I arrived. Visitors are greeted with a handmade lei upon entering and we were invited to the monthly luncheon after Mass. I’ve always thought real aloha attitude is just good Christian love and it was demonstrated at St. Bendict’s.

ST. BENEDICT’S PAINTED CHURCH: Painted Church Rd on mountain side. If you come from south, it is easier to find on right side, but coming from north, sign is almost impossible to see.
Very small and pretty church. If you are around, it is worth visiting. I don’t recommend this as a main destination.

St. Benedict’s Catholic Painted Church is a beautifully hand-​painted church that is located on the Big Island of Hawaii in South Kona in Honaunau. After taking in their beautiful grounds overlooking the gorgeous, historic Kealakekua Bay, take a stroll up to the little church. Once you step inside this tiny church, you will be taken back by the beauty of the Koa wood altar and amazing hand-​painted artwork depicting colorful biblical scenes along all of the columns, inner walls and ceilings.
A cute, quick stop while sightseeing on the Big Island on your way to or from the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau Historical National Park.

This was a really cool local church with beautiful paintings and scenery. The cemetery was also really enjoyable and interesting to look at. Buy a roseary or bootie at the door!

A beautiful small church in a really beautiful location. We only had a quick visit just before a tour bus unloaded. It’s about a quick side trip that I can cross off the bucket list.

My husband and I had the wonderful opportunity of being able to attend Sunday mass here on 9÷9÷12 while we were staying on the Big Island. Mass is early (7:15 am) but definitely worth waking up early for. As we walked into the church for mass, we were greeted with colorful yarn leis. I loved how the readings and the songs that were sung were done in both English and Hawaiian. So very cool!!! :) :) :) What a treat and what and awesome experience! After the mass was over, the priest invited everyone to the hall to have breakfast that was prepared by the locals. Everyone was so very friendly and my hubby and I, as well as other visitors felt so very welcomed.
After breakfast, my hubby and I took a self tour of the church which by the way is really beautiful and worth seeing. Even if you aren’t much of a religious person, it is definitely worth stopping by the Painted Church (aka St. Benedict’s Catholic Church) just to check out the beautifully painted walls and the gorgeous view!
Thank you again to the priest and parishioners of St. Benedict’s for helping to make our trip to the Big Island so memorable. We can’t wait to return in 2014!

Awesome little Church.
They only have one Sunday Mass early at 7:15am. If you are coming from the Kona area, even though it is only around 17 miles away, it will take you 30 minutes because of the speed limit and windy roads to get here.
The locals give visitors cute yarn leis as a welcome. The priest spoke a great homily and really gave sense to the Gospel reading of that day. Windows are kept open and you can hear birds chirping outside while the Mass is going on.
The Church itself is so cute. One of the smallest Churches I have been in, and very unique. Definitely would come back here if I ever need to go to Sunday Mass on the Big Island.

This is a beautiful historic church which was one of our stops while heading to the City of Refuge. It is also known as the «Painted Church». It has marvelous paintings on the walls and ceilings. Some of the pictures you will see are Representation of a Good Death, Hell, Temptation of Christ, and Handwriting on the Wall to name a few.
The side of the church has a graveyard next to it with gorgeous orchids and statues. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the allure of the church.

My son seemed obsessed with this stray cat he couldn’t catch that was wandering the church premises the whole time we were here…
The sheer overabundance of tasteless, inappropriate jokes about unsuccesfully chasing pussy come to mind…
but I won’t stoop to that level…
cuz I’m a classy son of a bitch.
Fu*k, I think I just said pussy and bitch in a review about a beautiful little church.
I’m sure the Pope has better things to do than to read Unilocal reviews right?
Ah, who am I kidding, I’m going straight to hell anyways.

St. Benedict’s Catholic Church, called simply the Painted Church, is a little bit off the beaten path. Those who have struggled to find the turn (on Painted Church Road, of course!) may be amused/​aggravated to read other reviews that speak of visitors «happening upon this site,» but it is worth the visit, no matter if you find it by accident or with much effort.
The paintings themselves have nothing on the frescoes of Rome, but illusionist adornment of the walls is worthy of a visit. It is unlike any other tourist destination on the Big Island.

We stumbled upon this little gem quite by accident. I saw a road called Painted Church Road and veered in figuring (quite rightly) that there musy be a painted church there. What a beautiful spot! The murals are lovely as are the architecture and the gardens. Take a couple of minutes and stop in. You won’t be disappointed!

A very unique Catholic Church.
It’s kinda hard to get there, but it’s worth a trip if you’re into Hawaiian history.

Such a beautiful church. and it is still operating!
Tucked on a hillside, with an old cemetery out front… the outside looks so Hawaiian… painted a stark white, against the lush landscaping.
You can just walk in… and behold!
You will be blown away… the inside is truly amazing… everything is painted is an unique folk art style mixed with more traditional christian religious depictions.
This is one of a kind… and so well preserved!
No flash please! A must do… and fork the $ 0.50 for the post card at the door… it is the best picture you will get of this one-​of-​a-​kind beauty!

This operating Roman Catholic Church is a wonder.
Rather than an ornately decorated interior consisting of statues, the interior of this church is completely painted. Describing it is useless. It is something you have to see. The paint is used to produce everything from beautiful wall murals, to the illusion of a higher ceiling and deeper sanctuary behind the alter, to the palm frond topping of the pillars along the aisle of the church. Take a look at our photos to get a better idea of the beauty.
The air is fragrant with the local flowers and the table that was setup outside the church offered small handmade items, rosaries, keychains, ornaments, etc, that were not only unique and great to have, but also supported the Church’s community works. Oh, and the purchase was on the honor system. There is still hope for humanity.
See Heather F’s review for excellent directions. I thought it was a little difficult to find, although we found it based on verbal directions from a woman in a Kona gift shop.