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St. Benedict's Painted Church
Monument/Religious Site

St. Benedict's Painted Church

Big Island of Hawaii
4.7
(500 reviews)
7
Tours Available
$0 (donations welcome)
Adult Entry
1-2 hours
Recommended Duration
March-May, September-November
Best Time

Overview

St. Benedict's Painted Church is a historic Catholic church known for its stunning interior murals painted by a Belgian monk. Located in the lush coffee-growing region of Captain Cook, it offers a unique blend of religious art and Hawaiian history.

The church is renowned for its beautiful murals and its role in the history of the Hawaiian Catholic community.

Historical Site Cultural Site

Location

Address

84-5140 Painted Church Road, Captain Cook, Big Island of Hawaii, Hawaii

Neighborhood: Kona Coffee Country

Coordinates

19.196200, -155.574700

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
tuesday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
wednesday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
thursday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
saturday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
sunday Closed (open for services)

Admission

Adults
$0 (donations welcome)
Children
Free

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-November

Best Time of Day

Morning

Fewer tourists and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum
30 minutes
Recommended
1-2 hours
Full Experience
Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Pleasant and warm

  • • Blooming flowers
  • • Lush greenery

summer

Hot and humid

  • • Extended visiting hours

autumn

Warm and sunny

  • • Cooler temperatures
  • • Harvest season in coffee farms

winter

Rainy and cooler

  • • Christmas decorations
  • • Special holiday masses

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

  • Dress modestly
  • Respect quiet atmosphere
  • Check for guided tour availability

What to Bring

essential

Modest clothing Comfortable shoes Camera

recommended

Sunscreen Water bottle Hat

seasonal

Rain jacket Umbrella

not allowed

Loud noises Disruptive behavior

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Low

  • • No significant health warnings

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

USD

Typical Costs

entry $0 (donations welcome)
guided tour $15
parking $5
souvenirs $10-$50

Dress Code

Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered), Comfortable walking shoes, Closed-toe shoes recommended, Revealing clothing, Beachwear

Booking Tips

  • • Not required, but recommended for guided tours
  • • Official website or local tour operators
  • • Flexible, usually no fee for cancellation
  • • Available for guided tours

Amenities

Restrooms
Gift shop
Atm
Wifi
Lockers
Wheelchair rental
Stroller rental
On site restaurant
Cafe
Picnic areas
Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

St. Benedict's Painted Church Guide

Size: 20 MB

Features: Church history, Audio tour, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Kona International Airport (KOA)

Distance: 30 km

Travel Time: 30-40 minutes

taxi
$50-$70 30-40 min
rental_car
Varies 30-40 min

From City Center

Distance: 15 km

bus
$2 40-50 min
taxi
$30-$40 20-30 min
rental_car
Varies 20-30 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Unique blend of Hawaiian history and religious art

Historical Significance: Built by Belgian monk Father Evarist Gielen, known for his artistic murals

Insider Tips

  • Best time for photos is right after a service
  • Local guides often share fascinating stories about the church's history

Local Recommendations

  • • Visit nearby coffee farms for fresh brews
  • • Try local Hawaiian dishes at nearby eateries
  • • Ask about the history of the church from local guides

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Aloha
thank_you Mahalo
where_is No hea
how_much Pehea kekahi
beautiful Nani
ticket Tikeki

Guide Languages: English, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Main altar

Best Time: Morning

Tips: Capture the stained glass from the side

Result: Beautiful light and colors

#StBenedicts #PaintedChurch #HawaiiHistory

Exterior with coffee farm backdrop

Best Time: Late afternoon

Tips: Wide shots to capture the landscape

Result: Scenic and picturesque

#HawaiiScenery #CoffeeFarms #PaintedChurch

Photography Rules

allowed areas Exterior, Interior (no flash)
prohibited areas During services or private events
flash photography Not allowed inside
commercial photography Permit required
drone policy Not allowed without special permit
tripod policy Allowed outside, not inside
selfie sticks Allowed but with discretion

Nearby Attractions

Greenwell Farms

Distance: 2 km

Walking: 25 min

Type: Coffee Farm

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Distance: 3 km

Walking: 40 min

Type: Museum

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Distance: 10 km

Walking: Not walkable

Type: National Park

Reviews

4.7

Based on 500 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

  • "Visit early to avoid crowds"
  • "Donate to support the church"
  • "Combine with a coffee farm visit"

Contact Information

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Quick Info

Available Tours

7

Rating

4.7 / 5.0

Reviews

500

Adult Entry

$0 (donations welcome)

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