St. Benedict Catholic Church (The Painted Church)

About this church

St. Benedict Catholic Church, known as the Painted Church, is at 84-5140 Painted Church Road in Captain Cook, Hawaii, overlooking Kealakekua Bay in South Kona. Masses at St. Benedict are Sunday at 8 a.m., Saturday at 4 p.m. and Tuesday through Friday at 7 a.m. The parish also serves the mission church of St. John the Baptist in Kealakekua, where Mass is celebrated Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m. The current church building dates to 1899, when a Belgian priest decorated its interior walls with paintings of biblical scenes and the lives of the saints, and it is listed on the Hawaii State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.

The church is both an active parish and a historic site that draws visitors to the Big Island. The parish describes outreach programs that care for people in need and provide medical services for the local community. The website also offers weekly bulletins, a guide to the paintings, a history page and information on weddings, along with an online giving link. Drivers heading from Kona turn toward the ocean off Highway 11 onto Highway 160, then onto Painted Church Road, about 40 to 45 minutes from downtown Kona. Confirm Mass times on the website before visiting.

Researched from the church’s official website and reviewed October 5, 2026. Sources: Welcome page with Mass times and directions · Contact, address and phone · About the church and its history

Service times

Confirm current times directly with the church before visiting.

Hours

Published hours can change. Confirm them directly with the church before visiting.

Location