Byodo-In Temple in Hawaii

Byodo-In Temple
Standing in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains, the Byodo-In Temple is a non-denominational Buddhist temple famous for its beauty and serene atmosphere. Built in 1968 to commemorate the one hundred year anniversary of Japanese immigrants who settled in Hawaii, the Byodo-In Temple is an exact scale replica of an ancient temple constructed in Uji, Japan almost one thousand years ago. An amazing piece of Japanese-style temple architecture, the Byodo-In is built in the same style and was constructed without the use of nails.

A sense of peace and serenity surrounds the temple and its gardens. Visitors are encouraged to wander the grounds that include numerous spots for thoughtful meditation, some small waterfalls and a large reflective pool home to hundreds of Japanese koi carp. The grounds are also home to peacocks, black swans, and more than a few visiting ducks. The temple itself houses the Amida Buddha, a towering nine-foot tall gold-lacquered Buddha sitting in peaceful repose. Carved by master Japanese sculptor Masuzo Inui, it is believed to be the largest Japanese Buddha carved outside of Japan. The Hall is representative of the art and culture of the Fujiwara aristocracy, and is often called the Phoenix Hall because of the good luck phoenixes on each end of the roof, ready to take flight.

The Sacred Bell (called Bon-sho) contained in the Bell House was commissioned from Osaka, Japan and is a replica of the bell at the Uji Temple. Ringing it prior to entering the temple is said to bring happiness and peace, and its low and pleasing tone emanates a sense of calm and serenity.

Admission to the Byodo-In Temple is $3 for adults, $2 for seniors and $1 for children. The Temple is open from 9am-5pm daily.

While not an active temple, it is an active cemetery and is still used for worship. Visitors are asked to be respectful at all times.

Extra Tips
Look familiar? The Byodo-In has been used in numerous television shows, including Hawaii Five-O, Magnum, P.I. and most recently, Lost.

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