Oahu Things to do: Guide to Visiting the Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple sits at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains, in Oahu’s beautiful Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Established on June 7, 1968, as a commemorative temple to honor the 100-year anniversary of Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants, the Byodo-In Temple is a lushly landscaped haven for wild birds, colorful fish, and peaceful people who come to meditate on the grounds. Visiting the Byodo-In Temples is one of the top Oahu things to do for new and repeat visitors to the island.

Created as a smaller-scale replica of the more-than-950-year-old Byodo-In Temple located in Uji, Japan, the Byodo-In Temple in Oahu is a non-practicing Buddhist temple that welcomes those of all faiths to visit and meditate. Even if you aren’t religiously inclined, you will find that the Byodo-In Temple is a relaxing space for quiet reflection and appreciation of natural beauty.

In this latest Oahu Travel Blog article, Oahu Things to do: Guide to Visiting the Byodo-In Temple, we introduce you to one of the top attractions you can enjoy during your visit to Oahu. This amazing temple is a place where all can go to appreciate the beauty of Hawaii and to reflect in a peaceful space.

Byodo-In Temple
Location: 47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Telephone: 808.239.8811
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (limited holiday hours and closed Christmas Day)
Website

Why you should visit the Byodo-In Temple:    

The Byodo-In Temple is a lushly landscaped haven where wild peacocks roam and colorful Japanese koi carp swim. It is a place filled with still reflection pools, small waterfalls, and little corners for meditation. The grounds offer restful relaxation for everyone, and they provide a glimpse into some of the cultures that the people of Hawaii hold dear.

Many visitors to the Byodo-In Temple are surprised to find out that several television series have been filmed on the temple grounds. Magnum, P.I., and Hawaii Five-O featured many episodes with the temple written into the plot. The Byodo-In Temple and its grounds made an appearance in Lost, “House of the Rising Sun,” in season one.

In 2019, National Geographic noted the Byodo-In Temple as one of “20 of the world’s most beautiful Buddhist temples,” specifically highlighting the temple’s architecture and inspiring gardens.

Guide to Visiting the Byodo-In Temple:

If you’re looking for Oahu activities that offer a bit of something for everyone, consider visiting the Byodo-In Temple. Young visitors love roaming the beautiful gardens in search of beautiful flowers, and they enjoy discovering the wild peacocks and colorful koi who make the temple grounds their home. Older guests appreciate the peacefulness of the temple and the escape that it provides from bustling city life on Oahu.

Visit the Byodo-In Temple to enjoy the spectacular grounds, glorious views, and rich culture. With scenery that spans from the Ko’olau Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, this lush paradise is sure to fill your heart and renew your spirit.

The Byodo-In Temple is often used for wedding ceremonies and it is a functioning memorial park. People of all faiths gather on the temple grounds to share in lives joined together, and to remember those who have passed.

Ocean View Terrace: The Ocean View Terrace at the Byodo-In Temple is a stunning heart-shaped memorial garden that offers some of the most amazing views in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. It is a 10-acre hilltop oasis created in consultation with a Feng Shui master, and it is a special space that features ocean views from nearly every garden.

Amida Buddha: During your visit to the Byodo-In Temple, you can view the Amida Buddha, a unique golden Buddha that is unlike any in the world. This Buddha is believed to be the largest statue carved outside of Japan. The Amida Buddha towers more than 9 feet, and it is an original artwork designed by Masuzo Inui, a famous Japanese sculptor.

Bon-Sho (Sacred Bell): The Bell House at the Byodo-In Temple contains a 5-foot-tall, 3-ton brass bell called bon-sho (sacred bell). This bell was cast in Osaka, Japan and it is made from a mixture of tin and bronze. It is a close replication of a bell hanging in a near-identical bell house in Uji Byodo-In temple. The original bell is said to be more than 900 years old. Revered for its distinctive tone and shape, the bon-sho is thought to cleanse the mind of temptation and evil.

Our latest Oahu Travel Blog article: Oahu Things to do: Guide to Visiting the Byodo-In Temple features just some of the amazing reasons to make this beautiful temple a must-visit attraction during your trip to Hawaii.

In addition to a gold Buddha and a bronze bell, you will find a meditation pavilion and much wildlife at the Byodo-In Temple. During your visit to this top Oahu attraction, make sure you stop by the Tea House Gift Shop to pick up some delicious tea and a special item to commemorate your trip.