The temple has a single attached spire.[2] This temple was designed by church architect Emil B. Fetzer, using a modern architectural style.[3] A groundbreaking ceremony, to signify the beginning of construction, was held on March 13, 1999, conducted by John B. Dickson of the Seventy.[4]
History
The Kona Hawaii Temple was announced May 7, 1998,[5][6] with a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by John B. Dickson of the Seventy then held on March 13, 1999.[7] 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.[8]
In 2020, like all the church's others, the Kona Hawaii Temple was closed for a time in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.[11]
On August 29, 2022, the First Presidency announced that the temple would close for renovations.[12] It closed in October 2023, with renovations expected to be completed by late 2025.[13] The renovations will expand the temple from 9,500 square feet to 12,000 square feet.[14]
The temple dedication was considered the first event in a yearlong commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the church in Hawaii.[7][15]
The temple is on a 7-acre site, with views of the ocean and Mount Hualalai.[17] 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.[3]
The majority of the building was constructed with cast stone containing white marble chips; while there is no noticeable visible difference, the tower was built with fiberglass to make it lighter.[3] The temple has two ordinance rooms, two sealing rooms, and a baptistry,[3] each designed for ceremonial use.
The design uses elements representing Latter-day Saint symbolism to provide deeper spiritual meaning to its appearance and function. Symbolism is important to church members and includes the statue of the angel Moroni on top of the temple’s steeple, which symbolizes “the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.”[18]
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.[19]
Serving from 2000 to 2002, the first president was Larry R. Oler, with Midge J. Oler serving as matron.[19] As of 2025, the temple’s president and matron are Edward Lincoln Reinhardt and Gail Tsurue Minami Reinhardt.[20]
Admittance
Following completion of construction, the church announced the public open house that was held from January 12-15, 2000 (excluding Sundays).[17] The temple was dedicated by Gordon B. Hinckley on January 23 and 24, 2000, in four sessions.[21]
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.[12][22] The Kona Hawaii Temple is currently closed for renovations.[12]
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