When Christian missionaries arrived in Hawaii, they brought with them their belief system and the church. From small rural chapels to huge cathedrals located in the heart of Hawaii’s capitol, the Hawaiian Islands are home to some incredible churches. But there is no chapel more beautiful – both inside and out – than St. Benedict’s Roman Catholic Church, located in the Big Island’s Honaunau.
Known more commonly as the Painted Church, this magnificent piece of art on Hawaii Island is open to the public seven days a week, and holds mass five days each week.
Sean Munson/Flickr
The masterpiece was built from 1899 to 1902 under the direction of Catholic missionary Father John Velghe, an untrained folk artist who painted frescoes along the interior ceiling and walls depicting various biblical scenes using traditional house paint.
Chris Kilkes/Flickr
The building itself is small and rectangular, though Father John painted gothic vaults above the altar, creating a magical illusion of a traditional European Gothic cathedral.
Jen/Flickr
Prayitno/Flickr
And while the church’s gorgeous interior is certainly breathtaking, its surroundings certainly aren’t too shabby either.
Charmaine D./Yelp
Jen/Flickr
Overlooking the beautiful Kealakekua Bay, St. Benedict’s is surrounded on all sides by stunning natural beauty, lush grounds, and heavenly panoramic views.
Jen/Flickr
Located on the leeward slopes of Mauna Loa, St. Benedict’s was formerly known as St. Francis Regis Chapel during the mid-to-late 1800s.
Prayitno/Flickr At this time, most of the villagers moved away from the beach to more fertile soil two miles up the mountain’s slopes - it was then that the church was moved, repaired, renovated, and rededicated as St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church - an even more incredible location.
On the church grounds, you will find lush vegetation surrounding magnificent stone statues as well as incredible ocean views.
Rhonda W./Yelp
It is perhaps as close as one can get to heaven on earth.
Jen/Flickr
For a schedule of mass, please visit the St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church website. We also think you’d love looking at these 12 beautiful churches found across Hawaii while you’re here.
Sean Munson/Flickr
Chris Kilkes/Flickr
Jen/Flickr
Prayitno/Flickr
Charmaine D./Yelp
At this time, most of the villagers moved away from the beach to more fertile soil two miles up the mountain’s slopes - it was then that the church was moved, repaired, renovated, and rededicated as St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church - an even more incredible location.
Rhonda W./Yelp
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