The Kona Hawaii Temple is the 70th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The intent to build the temple was announced on May 7, 1998, by the church's First Presidency. It is located in Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii and is the second temple built in Hawaii, along with the Laie Hawaii Temple, and is the sixth in the Pacific Islands.
The temple has a single attached spire. This temple was designed by church architect Emil B. Fetzer, using a modern architectural style. A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on March 13, 1999, conducted by John B. Dickson of the Seventy.
History
The Kona Hawaii Temple was announced May 7, 1998, with a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by John B. Dickson of the Seventy then held on March 13, 1999. Approximately 1,200 people attended the groundbreaking ceremonies. Dickson, Donald L. Hallstrom, an area seventy, Hilo stake president John Sakamaki, and Kona stake president Philip A. Harris each spoke at the ceremony. Dickson turned over the first shovelful of dirt, after which other onlookers, including many children, participated.
After construction was completed, a public open house was held from January 12–15, 2000. LDS Church president Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the temple on January 23–24, 2000. Hinckley was accompanied to the dedication by Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Hallstrom.
On August 29, 2022, the First Presidency announced that the temple would close for renovations. It closed in October 2023, with renovations expected to be completed by late 2025. The renovations will expand the temple from 9,500 square feet to 12,000 square feet.
The temple dedication was considered the first event in a yearlong commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the church in Hawaii.
Steve Young, a member of the National Football League's Hall of Fame and his wife, Barbara Graham, were married in the Kona Hawaii Temple on March 15, 2000.
In October 2023, the temple was closed for renovation, including a expansion. The renovations were originally anticipated and announced to be completed in "late 2025." As of August 2025, the temple is currently anticipated to be finished in late 2026 or early 2027.
Design and architecture
The temple is on a 7-acre site, with views of the ocean and Mount Hualalai. The building has a modern architectural style and uses traditional Latter-day Saint temple design. Designed by Emil B. Fetzer, its architecture reflects both the cultural heritage of Kona and its spiritual significance to the church.
Temple presidents
The church's temples are directed by a temple president and matron, each serving for a term of three years. The president and matron oversee the administration of temple operations and provide guidance and training for both temple patrons and staff.
Serving from 2000 to 2002, the first president was Larry R. Oler, with Midge J. Oler serving as matron.
Admittance
Following completion of construction, the church announced the public open house that was held from January 12–15, 2000 (excluding Sundays).
Like all the church's temples, it is not used for Sunday worship services. To members of the church, temples are regarded as sacred houses of the Lord. Once dedicated, only church members with a current temple recommend can enter for worship. The Kona Hawaii Temple is currently closed for renovations.