St. Benedict's Painted Church - Captain Cook, Hawaii

Known simply as "the painted church," this beautiful and secluded church has been called a miniature Hawaiian Sistine Chapel and is a must-see for all who visit the tropical Hawaiian islands! Between 1899 and 1904, Father John Velge painted murals on the walls and ceilings of the church, which beautifully depict famous biblical scenes. The Church includes distinct striped columns and floral ceilings decorated with bold shades of aquamarine and red. There are also colorful frescoed ceilings and whitewashed walls with Hawaiian motifs of flowers and palm trees. Visitors to the Painted Church can also walk around the small graveyard outside which is spotted with leis, statues, and exotic flowers, and see vistas of the beautiful and historic Kealakekua Bay. Besides being an important historical site, St. Benedict's Painted Church is also a vibrant parish with outreach programs that provide care for those in need and medical services for the area's local community.

To get to St. Benedict's Painted Church, take Highway 11 in Kailua south to Highway 160 (near the Honaunau post office). This will bring you to the Pu'uhonua City of Refuge National Park. Make a right at the turnoff for the Painted Church. Let your mystical surroundings envelop you as you enter this stunning, Hawaiian architectural, artistic, and religious masterpiece.