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All the United States Hawaii Captain Cook The Painted Church

The Painted Church

A priest with no formal artistic training used basic house paint to create gorgeous religious scenes inside this historic church.

Captain Cook, Hawaii

Added By
Amy Bonaduce
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  Amy Bonaduce / Atlas Obscura User
  Amy Bonaduce / Atlas Obscura User
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About

St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Captain Cook, Hawai'i, dates back to 1899. The church, along with its cemetery, is an important historical site. The exterior of the building is white and quite traditional, but step inside and behold a prism of color.

Within the church hide incredible paintings depicting scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints. What makes these frescos unique, however, is that Father John Velghe, a priest with no formal artistic training, used regular house paint to complete the remarkable artworks. 

St. Benedict’s—also known as "the Painted Church"—continues to hold mass, but regardless of whether you practice the religion, the art alone makes this place a valuable destination. The Painted Church is a five minute drive from Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Park and Two Step Beach, one of Hawai'i's best snorkeling spots.

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Paintings Outsider Art Churches Religion Biblical Art Sacred Spaces

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The church is small, but parking is plentiful. Admission is free, but consider picking up a bracelet, avocado, or papaya at an honor-system table by the parking lot.

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Amy Bonaduce

Published

April 18, 2019

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The Painted Church
84-5140 Painted Church Rd
Captain Cook, Hawaii
United States
19.434667, -155.887833
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Nearby Places

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau

Captain Cook, Hawaii

miles away

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Captain Cook, Hawaii

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Photo of Captain Cook

Captain Cook

Hawaii

Places 3

Nearby Places

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau

Captain Cook, Hawaii

miles away

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

Captain Cook, Hawaii

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Captain Cook Monument

Kealakekua, Hawaii

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Captain Cook

Captain Cook

Hawaii

Places 3

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