Star of the Sea Painted Church

Star of the Sea is a small Catholic chapel off Highway 130 near Kaimū, known for its painted interior and the 1990 rescue that saved it from Kīlauea’s flow over Kalapana. If you’re interested in local church history or religious art, it makes a worthwhile short stop along the Puna coast. The interior isn’t reliably open, so fit it into the drive and treat entry as a bonus.

Inside, scripture scenes and devotional paintings cover the ceiling and upper walls, with stained-glass windows and an altar wall painted to look deeper than it is. From the aisle, frame the altar beneath the painted arches to bring out that trompe-l’œil effect; look up at the ceiling, too.

Belgian Sacred Hearts missionary Father Evarist Gielen built the church as a mission in Kalapana, using lumber salvaged from nearby churches. He painted scripture scenes with house paint mixed with linseed oil, and later artists added their own work, including images of Father Damien. When Kīlauea’s 1990 flow threatened Kalapana, the church was hauled out of its path; the lava went on to bury much of the village. It now stands at its roadside site near Kaimū. Sources differ on whether it was moved to this exact spot in 1990 or after a second move in 1996.

Find the church off Highway 130 between mile markers 19 and 20. Parking is near the grounds, but there’s no dependable current visitor schedule and published hours conflict. Take the exterior as the sure thing and go inside only if it’s open. Donations are appreciated for upkeep.