The Kona Hawaii Temple is the 70th operating temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). The temple is located in Kailua-Kona on the island of Hawaii and is the second temple built in Hawaii, along with the Laie Hawaii Temple. It is the sixth temple built in the Pacific Islands.

Kona Hawaii Temple
Closed for renovation
Map
Number70
DedicationJanuary 23, 2000, by Gordon B. Hinckley
Site7.02 acres (2.84 ha)
Floor area12,325 sq ft (1,145.0 m2)
Height71 ft (22 m)
Official websiteNews & images
Church chronology

St. Paul Minnesota Temple

Kona Hawaii Temple

Ciudad Juárez Mexico Temple
Additional information
AnnouncedMay 7, 1998, by Gordon B. Hinckley
GroundbreakingMarch 13, 1999, by John B. Dickson
Open houseJanuary 12–15, 2000
Current presidentEdward Lincoln Reinhardt
Designed byChurch A & E Services, Bob Lowder
LocationKailua-Kona, Hawaii, U.S.
Geographic coordinates19°38′29.8″N 155°59′7.9″W / 19.641611°N 155.985528°W / 19.641611; -155.985528
Exterior finishWhite marble veneer
Temple designClassic modern, single-spire design
Baptistries1
Ordinance rooms2 (two-stage progressive)
Sealing rooms2
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History

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The Kona Hawaii Temple was announced May 7, 1998,[2][3] with a groundbreaking ceremony presided over by John B. Dickson of the Seventy held less than a year later on March 13, 1999.[4] 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, also participated.[5]

The structure itself was constructed in concrete, white marble and some native materials. Architects used a simple classical design featuring a single spire, similar to other smaller temples constructed by the church at the same time.

Upon completion, an open house was held from January 12–15, 2000.[4][6] LDS Church president Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated the Kona Hawaii Temple on January 23–24, 2000.[7] Hinckley was accompanied to the dedication by Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Hallstrom.[4] More than 3,800 church members attended the dedicatory sessions.[4]

In 2020, the Kona Hawaii Temple was closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.[8]

Temple facts

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The Kona Hawaii Temple has two ordinance rooms and two sealing rooms.[9]

The temple dedication was considered the first event in a yearlong commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the church in Hawaii.[4][10]

NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young married his wife, Barbara Graham, in the Kona Hawaii Temple on March 15, 2000.[11]

See also

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  •   = Operating
  •   = Under construction
  •   = Announced
  •   = Temporarily Closed

References

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  1. ^ Several dozen temples, built from identical plans.
  2. ^ "Locations for six of 30 small temples given", Church News, May 23, 1998[permanent dead link]
  3. ^ Kruckenberg, Janet (February 20, 1999), "The announcements of new holy edifices bring joy and tears", Church News[permanent dead link]
  4. ^ a b c d e "Two New Temples Dedicated, President Hinckley Visits Saints in Pacific", Ensign, April 2000, retrieved September 21, 2012
  5. ^ Peacock, Joyce A. (March 20, 1999), "Hawaii edifice to help establish eternal families", Church News, retrieved September 21, 2012[permanent dead link]
  6. ^ "Open house, dedication dates announced for temples", Church News, November 27, 1999[permanent dead link]
  7. ^ "Kona Hawaii: 'Here to taste the sweet refreshment of the Holy Spirit'", Church News, January 29, 2000[permanent dead link]
  8. ^ Stack, Peggy Fletcher. "All Latter-day Saint temples to close due to coronavirus", The Salt Lake Tribune, 26 March 2020. Retrieved on 28 March 2020.
  9. ^ "Facts and figures: Kona, Hawaii Temple", Church News, January 29, 2000[permanent dead link]
  10. ^ "150 years in Hawaii", Church News, December 16, 2000[permanent dead link]
  11. ^ "Steve Young inducted in NFL Hall of Fame", Church News, February 12, 2005, retrieved September 21, 2012[permanent dead link]

Additional reading

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