Star of the Sea Painted Church
Star of the Sea Painted Church
Star of the Sea Painted Church
4.5
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4.5
77 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
20
Average
6
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Becky053
Bloomington, IN271 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
This little church was moved to its current location from ocean level about the time that it was painted. Obviously very lovingly done. Folk art. The artist was Father John Viege, the priest of the church, who had no formal training and painted with ordinary house paint. When we were there a large tour bus pulled up which made the experience less enjoyable from the quiet we experienced when we first walked in. I would say worth a stop if you are nearby, but not worth going out of your way unless you really like this sort of thing.
Written 17 January 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amber M
2 contributions
Jun 2021 • Solo
Came upon this beautiful little church when I was at one of the lowest moments of my life. I found hope on that day. Mahalo
Written 9 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chillyw
San francisco116 contributions
Jul 2019
This little church was quite a chore to locate as it has been re-located due to the volcanic eruptions that occurred close by the past few years. We needed to ask at least over 5 individuals before we actually found it by serendipity! Despite everything, do not rely on your GPS! It will not guide you here!!
It is located right on Hwy 130 - just above the town of Kaimu. It was moved here in 1990 due to the impending lava flow in its original spot. There are limited opening hours from 9a.m. - 4p.m. A quaint and quiet spot to relax and enjoy the remembrance of Father Damien & Mother Marianne's story of helping the leprosy patients on Kalaupapa, Molokai, There is also a nice stain glass of both of them in the church. Look at the painted ceiling and walls as approaching in this church- there is a lot of fine details and nice colors that blend in with the decor and feels like this church goes on and on. Absolutely worth it to try and find the Star of the Sea Painted Church.
It is located right on Hwy 130 - just above the town of Kaimu. It was moved here in 1990 due to the impending lava flow in its original spot. There are limited opening hours from 9a.m. - 4p.m. A quaint and quiet spot to relax and enjoy the remembrance of Father Damien & Mother Marianne's story of helping the leprosy patients on Kalaupapa, Molokai, There is also a nice stain glass of both of them in the church. Look at the painted ceiling and walls as approaching in this church- there is a lot of fine details and nice colors that blend in with the decor and feels like this church goes on and on. Absolutely worth it to try and find the Star of the Sea Painted Church.
Written 26 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Denise L
1 contribution
Sept 2015 • Business
Star of the Sea Church is one of the last remaining treasures of Kalapana. As a long-time resident of the area I'm writing this review because some of the info I've read in other reviews is flat out wrong.
This church was built by Father Evarist Gielen in 1930 after he built Sacred Heart church in Pahoa. (Barb053 is simply wrong in giving credit to another priest.)
Father Evarist spent four months painting the murals on the ceiling before the church was officially opened in 1931. Back then it located in the heart of Kalapana about a half mile past Uncle Robert's Awa Bar.
An artist from Georgia added 14 wooden stations of the cross in the 1960s and the pictures you see on the walls on the right side of the church were painted in the 1970s by Hilo artist George Lorch.
Lorch's images include pictures of Father Damien, who lived and taught in Kalapana before moving to Molokai where his work with leprosy patients resulted in his being named Saint Damien.
The church is culturally significant for its ties to Saint Damien (who built the first Catholic church in Kalapana) and the fact that it is one of the few remaining examples of folk art painted by Father Gielen.
Star of the Sea is open from 9 am to 4 pm every day and mass is held at 4 pm on the first Friday of every month.
The church relies 100% on donations to stay open. Please consider leaving a donation when you visit the church! Mahalo!
This church was built by Father Evarist Gielen in 1930 after he built Sacred Heart church in Pahoa. (Barb053 is simply wrong in giving credit to another priest.)
Father Evarist spent four months painting the murals on the ceiling before the church was officially opened in 1931. Back then it located in the heart of Kalapana about a half mile past Uncle Robert's Awa Bar.
An artist from Georgia added 14 wooden stations of the cross in the 1960s and the pictures you see on the walls on the right side of the church were painted in the 1970s by Hilo artist George Lorch.
Lorch's images include pictures of Father Damien, who lived and taught in Kalapana before moving to Molokai where his work with leprosy patients resulted in his being named Saint Damien.
The church is culturally significant for its ties to Saint Damien (who built the first Catholic church in Kalapana) and the fact that it is one of the few remaining examples of folk art painted by Father Gielen.
Star of the Sea is open from 9 am to 4 pm every day and mass is held at 4 pm on the first Friday of every month.
The church relies 100% on donations to stay open. Please consider leaving a donation when you visit the church! Mahalo!
Written 15 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jsteak
Rochester, MI186 contributions
Sept 2013 • Family
Not sure this church is always open. I did it with a guide trip to the black sand beach and lava watch with this as a stop on the way. We had a barbeque dinner at the church. There are paintings on all the walls and ceiling. The Father painted this during the leprosy era of Hawaii. If you can get to it I recommend it. A guide can explain the history. Donation requested.
Written 1 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacy
Buena Vista, CO30 contributions
Jul 2013
This church is beautiful and old with lots of history on those walls. Hard to find but a sweet stop if you do. Not too far from an incredible scenic drive along the coast.
Written 5 August 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SoCalOregonian
Murrieta, CA10,355 contributions
Mar 2022
Located along a frontage road on Pahoa-Kalapana Road, this church, painted Sea-Foam green with white trim and white corrugated roof has a unique history.
Constructed in 1927, this church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Faced with destruction in 1990 from a lava flow the community banded together and moved this piece of history to its present location.
The interior is a single nave with a double row of pews.
The upper interior of the church was painted by Father Gielen, a Belgian Priest.
The painting on the lower walls was accomplished by George Heidler, whose idea it was to create depth behind the altar.
In 1995 the church was closed by the Diocese of Honolulu after many of the parishioners were displaced by the same eruption that resulted in the church being relocated. However, the liturgy is conducted the first Friday of each month by on island priests who volunteer to conduct mass.
Souvenirs and religious items are available for a small donation which assists in the continued upkeep and restoration of the church.
If you are in the area stop by and visit.
Constructed in 1927, this church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Faced with destruction in 1990 from a lava flow the community banded together and moved this piece of history to its present location.
The interior is a single nave with a double row of pews.
The upper interior of the church was painted by Father Gielen, a Belgian Priest.
The painting on the lower walls was accomplished by George Heidler, whose idea it was to create depth behind the altar.
In 1995 the church was closed by the Diocese of Honolulu after many of the parishioners were displaced by the same eruption that resulted in the church being relocated. However, the liturgy is conducted the first Friday of each month by on island priests who volunteer to conduct mass.
Souvenirs and religious items are available for a small donation which assists in the continued upkeep and restoration of the church.
If you are in the area stop by and visit.
Written 2 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon
15 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
Father Damien's initial parish on the islands, before heading to Molokai to live with the lepers in their colony - where he eventually succumbed to this illness. An important and influential part of Hawaii's history is tied to this event and this man, and although we are not particularly religious it was an unexpected highlight to our trip. It is just off the road, and was recently moved to protect it from the recent lava flows in this region.
Written 3 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
babachico
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic117 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
... on your way to Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Two Step Beach and Kealakekua Bay. The church is only five minutes off SR 160. It offers a beautiful vista of the Kona coast. The little vendor shed in front of the church has some very fresh fruit that you can buy.
Written 19 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deanna O
St. George, UT93 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
If you find yourself frazzled from all the coffee sampling while in this area of Kona take time to stop by this sweet little church for a few peaceful moments. It has beautiful painted murals and a quiet little graveyard. While there was no caretaker there when we visited they did have a table set up with small souvenirs you could purchase via the honor system. Beautiful grounds and a delightful way to spend a little time.
Written 14 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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