The Painted Church ~ Honaunau, Hawaii

Overlooking beautiful and historic Kealakekua Bay, Saint Benedict's Painted Church stands in the Big Island of Hawaii in the famous Kona coffee growing area called Honaunau.

Father John Berchmans Velghe, a Sacred Hearts priest from Belgium, a self taught artist, was the first person to paint the interior walls of this church. In December of 1983, a restoration project was started to spruce up the church, it took a little over two years to complete. Saint Benedict The Painted Church is a historical site, but more valuable the parish is active with programs that help the local community.

The entrance to St. Benedict The Painted Church

View of the church from the entrance

View from the middle of the church

The ceiling of the church was stunning

Scenes from the bible and lives of saints painted on the walls.
This is titled; The handwriting on the wall. 

Titled; Temptation of Jesus

Octagonal columns support the gabled roof above the altar.
The columns are painted red, splotched with green
and yellow to make it look like marble.
Hawaiian motto's circle each column.

This beautiful little church was off the beaten track, but I am so happy that I had the opportunity to visit this historic church.