The Painted Church

St. Benedict’s Painted Church is listed on both the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. With its cultural significance and still-active parish community, it’s a fascinating stop on the Big Island. The church is also known for local outreach missions that support those in need and help provide services for the community.

Set above beautiful Kealakekua Bay, St. Benedict’s is famous for its vivid Biblical artwork painted by Father John Berchmans Velghe. He arrived in 1899 and followed local residents who moved upslope to more fertile land. In an impressive community effort, church members dismantled the original building and relocated it to its present site.

Father Velghe was a self-taught artist who created interior murals with a striking three-dimensional feel, inspired by the Gothic Cathedral of Burgos in Spain. At a time when many parishioners could not read or write, these painted Biblical scenes served as an essential teaching tool – and today they remain one of the most memorable historic sights on the island.

To explore more Big Island highlights nearby, consider joining one of our Big Island sightseeing tours or pairing this stop with a day of Big Island volcano tours. You can also browse more ideas in Big Island activities.