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St. Benedict's Catholic Church
Rating Details »
Categories: Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Churches [Edit]
84-5140 Painted Church RdCaptain Cook, HI 96704
(808) 328-2227
7 reviews for St. Benedict's Catholic Church
If you've already made the trek to the Place of Refuge it's no skin off your back to visit (and also make a nominal donation to support) what's also called, "The Painted Church."
We weren't expecting much, and perhaps that's why it was such a pleasant surprise. Be sure to check out the reproduction of Michelangelo's Mary and Jesus statue behind the church as well as the cemetary and the two statues ladened with leis and necklaces.
Who wants to hear another one of my witty yet slightly insane travel stories? Grab some popcorn, relax and get ready!
This was the second time that I had been to this church. To me it is beautiful and according to all the travel books, it is a must see. Like a good dad (my dad took me there the first time) I decided to take my daughter to see this interesting place.
So, we walked around and checked things out and we both enjoyed it. On the way back to the car I had an urge (I am thinking God put the urge in me at that moment) to use the restroom.
When I got back in our car after my religious potty experience I found my daughter looking unusually and incredibly proud of herself.
Apparently a woman walked up to her and asked if she liked the church. The woman told my daughter that it was not all that it was made out to be and implied that it was a wasted trip for her.
My daughter reacted in a way that I would have by saying, "My Daddy and I live here on the island and this is our church. We come here everyday to worship our gods."
Needless to say, my daughter was totally full of crap and the lady was totally embarrassed. I am proud of my daughter for what she did. Does that make me a bad parent? Respect the church yo!
Side note:
Are you trying to figure out a way to go straight to hell without passing go or collecting $200? There is a table full of souvenirs sitting unguarded outside of this church. All the items are priced and there is a money box next to them.
Go ahead, take something without paying! I dare you! You would look pretty sexy after you are struck down by lightning.
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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!!
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When we were there there was an outrageous homophobic petition
for people to sign which would deny civil rights to any gay person. Of
course the petition was signed by pinheads from Texas and the South.
Not only did we not sign but we removed the entire petition from the church, viewing it as our duty as citizens to keep religion out of politics and vs.vs.
The beauty of the church has forever been marred by the hatred in the
sanctuary. After all the harm the Catholic Church has done through history, they could atone a bit by encouraging Hawaiians to go back to their native religions, which were one with the earth and with all people...........something the Roman Church obviously lacks in putting up this kind of hateful petition.
Boycott this painted church!
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.
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On our way to Puuhonua o Honaunau, we made a brief stop at the Painted Church. I really wasn't expecting much, but the paintings inside were gorgeous. There are six paintings on the walls: the temptation of Jesus, Hell, Cain and Abel, Death (with a ray of hope), St. Francis of Assisi receiving the stigmata, and the handwriting on the wall at the feast of King Belshazzar.
The church is very easy to get to, and worth a visit if you are headed to the Place of Refuge or to snorkel in the area. Just take Hwy 11 and turn seaward around the 104 mile market onto Route 160. Take the first right (the King Kamehameha sign is opposite). Continue along a narrow, winding road about a quarter of a mile to indicating sign. The church is up a short driveway to the right.
If you stop by, consider leaving a donation to restore/maintain the church.
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This small Catholic church became "the painted church" after Priest John Velge decorated its interior between 1899-1904 to communicate Bible stories to non-English-speaking Hawaiians.
The church seats maybe 75 people and is a spectacle to behold. It's like Jackson Pollock meets the Sistine Chapel with all of its colorful pictures. I think the church is still used for services. There is a small cemetary located next to the church as well.
St. Benedict's Church is one of the small hidden treasures that can be found on the island.
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