Imiola Congregational Church

Built in 1832 with an unusual interior, the church entrance is behind the pulpit, which leads into a sanctuary built entirely of koa wood. Another unusual decoration is the calabashes hanging from the ceiling.

Calabashes are the free-form gourds of the African gobi tree that can be produced by tying string around the gourds when they are growing to produce wierd shapes. They dry to a brown color and have very strong, thin walls.

They are used for bowls throughout the tropical world. The cream-colored church is just past the Keck Observatory Control Center on Hwy 19 just past the Parker Ranch Visitor Center and Museum. Be careful not to disturb church services.

Location: Hwy 19, Waimea-Kamuela Hawaii 96743 Telephone 808-885-4987

The Most Anticipated Upcoming HI Events Are: Made in Hawaii Festival Honolulu August 21 thru August 23 Maui County Fair Wailuku October 1 thru October 4 Kona Coffee Cultural Festival Kona November 6 thru November 15

Other upcoming events include: Billabong Pro Maui women's surfing championship Maui December 8 Hawaii Green Living Expo Honolulu February 5 thru February 6 12th Annual Traditional Mochi (rice cake) Pounding for New Year Wailea December 27 Niaulani Forest Work Day Volcano December 20 Waimea Town Celebration Waimea February 18 thru February 19