Saint Benedict Painted Church, near Kona
One of the highlights of my recent trip to the Big Island was seeing Saint Benedict Painted Church. It is a gorgeous 35 minute drive from Kona, on a lush, winding road with views of the sea. The drive is half the joy!
Once you arrive, you see an adorable, 19th century white chapel (built 1842, moved 1899) perched above the sea on the slopes of Mauna Loa volcano! It is topped with a belfry, and adorned with lattice work. Below it is a tropical garden with a sweet sculpture of Mary and a girl kneeling before her. Inside the church, every inch of interior wall is painted in rich hues, with six striking scenes: Saint Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata, the temptation of Jesus with the devil being cast down, handwriting on the wall at the feast of King Belshazzar, Cain killing Abel, a good death, and a depiction of hell. It is not musty inside, and a breeze blows through the church. The back garden, up the hill, also has statues. At the entrance path you can buy bottles of water or rosaries and bracelets, for $1 and $5 cash, honor system. Across the parking lot, at the rear of the parish hall is a small museum of Hawaiiana, but I didn't know about it so there's no photos.
There were fourteen of these small churches built in the district but only two remain, the rest destroyed by lava flows and earthquakes.
There are some other tourist places around here that I haven't checked out yet, such as Paleaku Gardens Peace Sanctuary, and some coffee farm tours.
While down this way, you could also visit Place of Refuge, a Hawaiian religious site with statues, turtles, and swimming for strong swimmers. It is an 8 minute drive west.
A lovely beach to swim and snorkel at is Kahalu'u Beach, 25 minutes drive north, which also has a sweet blue church called Saint Peter's, right on the water.
The garden with views of the sea, and a statue of a girl bowing down before Mary.
Stripey columns inside the church.
Painting of the handwriting on the wall at the Feast of King Belshazzar, a story from the Bible.
Palm fronts, metallic stars, and concentric circles, on the design inside the church.
The altar.
Painting of the temptation of Jesus, when the devil is cast down along with a crown, a scepter, and sacks of money.
Scultpure of Mary at the altar.
Looking toward the ocean, from inside the church.
The ceiling with its pretty colors: palm fronds, clouds, and stars.
The wall behind the altar, painted like a vaulted Gothic nave.
The unique designs painted by Father John Velge.
The balcony inside the church. So lovely!
There are six paintings inside the church, three on each side.
The garden below the church, facing the sea, with sculptures of a girl bowing down before Mary.
The church, with its belfry and latticework, and a wonderful tree beside it.
Sculptures on lava rock, of a girl bowing down before Mary, in the garden.
Statue of a girl bowing down, with the church and a stormy sky above.
Breadfruit in the garden.
I love breadfruit trees!
Norfolk pine and tropical plants at the walkway.
Bright tropical plants in the garden.
The winding road that leads to the church has gorgeous views.
Lush tropical foliage lines the winding road that leads to the church.
The church and its belfry.
Tropical plants and trees, with the sea in the distance.
Breadfruit tree leaves have beautiful shapes!
The slopes of Mauna Loa, on the drive to the church.
Saint Benedict Catholic Church is located at 84-5140 Painted Church Rd, Captain Cook, HI 96704. Open daily, 7am-5pm, according to their website.
Last Updated: Thu, 07 Nov 2024 18:25:16 GMT
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