THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

KONA TEMPLE  

Kailua, Kona, Hawaii 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Kailua-Kona Temple is one of only two Mormon temples in the Islands.  The first temple was built more than 80 years ago in Laie on Oahu.  Because so much time has passed since the first temple was built, the newest temple in Kona needed to represent Hawaii’s unique character. 

The one acre site was selected by the LDS Church Prophet to be situated on a prominent location on the island of Hawaii.  And that it is!  As parishioners and visitors drive up the street, they are greeted by majestic Royal Palms and a landscape that connotates importance in the community.  The tall, white trunks of the Royal Palms perfectly compliment the grand presence of the temple. 

The proud Royal Palms guide you up to the magnificent entrance of the temple.  The profusion of color from the drought tolerant Bougainvillea ‘Temple Fire’ and Purple Bougainvillea, mark this impressive entrance.  Native White Hibiscus soften the walls, which lead to the front doors.  Once on the temple grounds, a pleasant feeling of peacefulness and tranquility seem to fulfill you. 

A traditional Hawaiian landscape was the key to designing this project and was achieved by planting a variety of native species, plants used in the Hawaiian culture and plants often associated with our tropical paradise.  Native plants such as ‘Akia, Kupukupu Fern and Native White Hibiscus are abundant in the landscape.  Plants often used and associated with our Hawaiian culture such as Hala Trees, Plumeria Trees, Traveller’s Trees, Ti Leaves, Spider Lilies, Gingers and Gardenias can also be found on the grounds of the Temple. 

Swaying Coconut Palms, synonymous with tropical Hawaii are the significant palm species utilized throughout the landscape and accent the view from the outlook overlooking the grounds and the Pacific Ocean.  A view from the main Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway can also be appreciated, as onlookers see that temple through the Coconut Palms.   

Large umbrella shaped Monkeypod Trees help to shade the parking lot. Coconut Palms seem to rise through the Monkeypod Trees as if they are stretching to heaven.  The long willowy leaves of the Hala Trees seem to wave you into the Temple, as the fragrant Plumeria blossoms fill the air.  Benches with plant relief sides are located throughout the landscape and seat wall planters located in the plaza courtyard garden allow visitors a chance to rest and enjoy the beauty of the temple grounds.  The gardens can also be experienced at night.  Period light poles are located along pathways to create an ethereal atmosphere in the evening. 

The feeling of peace and tranquility are often associated with a Church or Temple and the landscape is one of the key elements in evoking these moods.  It sets the tone and image for a place of worship and a time for reflection.   

As visitors stroll through the property, their pace slows down as they begin to absorb the beauty of the landscape and all that the blessed grounds have to offer.