If you are ever on island and would love to explore a more tranquil location with beautiful mountains in the background and colorful peacocks walking around then the Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe, Hawaii needs to be part of your places to see.
This amazing structure is a smaller scale replica of the 950 year old Byodo-In Temple, a United Nations World Heritage Site in Uji, Japan. The replica was established in 1968 to commemorate the 100 year anniverssary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.
This temple is open to visitors of all faiths and welcomes everybody who would love the beautiful landscape along with some meditation time. This is a non-practicing temple.
As you walk in to the grounds you will find a beautiful 3 ton brass bell called bon-sho (sacred bell). The bell is rung before entering the temple to spread eternal Buddha teachings. It is said that ringing this bell will bring you happiness, blessings and a long life.
While enjoying a walk around the grounds you can see The Amida Buddha which is about 9 feet tall, golden and surrounded by 52 smaller statues of enlightened beings. Just remember to remove your shoes before entering the hall since it is a worship space for the local buddhist community.
There is plenty of wildlife around the temple grounds. Lovely black swans, peacocks, turtles including Koi which can be found in the Shinji-ike reflection pond.
The Byodo-In Temple has a small gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, light refreshments and fish food for the Koi.
The Temple Grounds are open 8:30am - 5:00pm daily. Last entrance to Temple grounds is 4:45pm.
The Gift Shop is open 8:30am - 5:00pm daily.
Admission to the Byodo-In Temple grounds is General Admission $5.00 (ages 13-64), $4.00 Seniors (age 65 & up), $2.00 Children (2-12 years). Admission is cash only!
For more information you can visit
https://www.byodo-in.com/admission.htm
