Byodo-In Temple

Hidden down the back end of a giant cemetery in a remote-ish part of Oahu stands the extremely picturesque, sweeping and elaborate Byodo-In Temple. It’s off the beaten path on the Windward Coast of Oahu and is one of Hawaii’s best kept secrets.

Built in 1963, it is a non-practicing Buddhist Temple open to the public for meditation or simply to take in its calm beauty. It really is gorgeous from the art filled temple to the gardens, lake and fishponds with decorative bridges … and of course, there is also a gift shop.

Upon arrival you are welcome to ring the sacred five-foot-tall brass bell, and light incense inside the temple.

Outside, look for peacocks, swans, and the occasional turtle sunning itself by the koi filled pond,

This temple is a small-scale replica of the 1000-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan. Fun fact: it was built entirely without nails!!!

It was dedicated in 1968 as a centennial commemoration of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.

And don’t forget this is located in a cemetery - so if you decide you love it here so much you’d like to remain here eternally when the time comes …. that can be arranged too.

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Hawaii No. 11 -last visited May 2024