St. Benedict’s Church

church, Honaunau, Hawaii, United States

Also known as: Painted Church

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

St. Benedict's Church, located in Honaunau, Hawaii, is a historic Roman Catholic church known for its vibrant murals depicting biblical scenes. It was the first Roman Catholic church established in Hawaii. The village of Honaunau itself is a historical site on the western coast of the island of Hawaii, once serving as a traditional seat of the Hawaiian kingdom.1

Nearby is the Puʻuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, which preserves a sacred "Place of Refuge" dating back to at least the 15th century. This site offered sanctuary to warriors, fugitives, and those who broke taboos, protecting them from death. The park includes ancient heiau (ceremonial structures) and a significant lava wall.1

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Honaunau
Nearby St. Benedict’s Church, called the Painted Church for its colourful murals depicting biblical scenes, was the first Roman Catholic church in Hawaii. The site where Captain James Cook was killed is 3 miles (5 km) north of Honaunau. Pop. (2000) Honaunau-Napoopoo, 2,414; (2010) Honaunau-Napoopoo, 2,567.
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Nearby St. Benedict’s Church, called the Painted Church for its colourful murals depicting biblical scenes, was the first Roman Catholic church in Hawaii. The site where Captain James Cook was killed is 3 miles (5 km) north of Honaunau. Pop. (2000) Honaunau-Napoopoo, 2,414; (2010) Honaunau-Napoopoo, 2,567.
Read More