Lahaina Jodo Mission in Hawaii

Lahaina Jodo Mission

History

Founded in 1912 with the support of Japanese immigrants, the original Jodo Mission in Lahaina was destroyed by fire in 1968. Members of the Mission decided to build an authentic Japanese-style Buddhist temple. Based on the serene beachfront property at Puunoa Point, the Lahaina Jodo Mission includes a statue of the Great Buddha, a towering pagoda, and bell tower.
 

Architecture

The Great Buddha Statue was completed in 1968 along with the Temple Bell. The Great Buddha is a 12-foot tall copper and bronze statue of the Amidha Buddha in repose. Cast by bronze workers in Kyoto, Japan, the Buddha weighs over three tons and was shipped to Lahaina in 1968 to commemorate the Centennial Celebration, celebrating the first Japanese immigrants to arrive and establish their homes in Hawaii.

The Pagoda is the most visible aspect of the Mission from afar, standing 90 feet tall from the ground to the top of the central spire. The first floor is a mausoleum, dedicated to holding the urns of deceased members of the Mission. Giving the Mission its distinctly Japanese feel, this temple tower has three levels of sloping roofs that are made of pure copper.

An essential part of most Buddhist temples, the bell tower at the Lahaina Jodo Mission is rung eleven times each evening at 8pm, each ring signifying part of a prayer for worship and the ever-present effort of proper thought, understanding, and action.

Located at 12 Ala Moana Street, the Jodo Mission Temple is a beautiful setting for peaceful thought and prayer.

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