Byodo-In Temple
The Byodo-In Temple is located on the windward side of Oahu and is a Buddhist Temple in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park.
This iconic site was built in 1968 to honor the Japanese immigrants who began making their way to Hawaii 100 years prior and it was built as a replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Iju, Japan (which dates back to the 11th century!). Today, it commemorates the friendship between the US and Japan.
Today, the Byodo-In Temple is one of the top attractions in Oahu and is a short drive from Honolulu. It is famous for its beauty and ornate architecture and details. Visitors can explore the grounds and see the Phoenix Hall, green gardens, and surrounding ponds. It is not currently a place of worship but rather a place for visitors to peacefully honor Japanese culture.
Byodo-In Temple Visitor Information
Island: Oahu
Address: 47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm daily (Last entrance is at 4:15 pm)
Ticket Prices: Adult ($5), Senior citizens ($4), Children aged 2-12 ($2), Children under 2 (free)
Parking: Free parking lot on-site
What to See and Do at the Byodo-In Temple
The Amida Buddha
The Amida Buddha is absolutely beautiful and appears to reflect light. The statue is 9 feet (2.7 meters) high and its hand position suggests that the Buddha rests in the highest of the nine paradises. It’s located within Phoenix Hall.
Bon Sho (Sacred Bell)
The Bell House (kanetsuki-do) is home to Bon Sho, a sacred bell that was cast in Osaka. This bell weighs an impressive 3 tonnes and is 5 feet (1.5 meters) high. It’s believed that ringing Bon Sho will bring you blessings, happiness, and a long life.
The Meditation Pavilion
The Meditation Pavilion offers a peaceful experience away from the crowds. It’s nestled on a hill behind Byodo-In Temple and is a great place to relax, take in the views, and appreciate the temple’s tranquility.
Glass-Front Niches
The Glass-Front Niches are a pristine resting place, known for their fine craftsmanship. Here, you’ll find treasured photographs and mementos which help to ‘capture the beauty of remembrance’. You can request a tour in advance on the website.
Gift Shop
The gift shop is open daily from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. Originally a Japanese tea house, this building is now the perfect place to grab a souvenir. There are a variety of unique items on sale, including Buddha statues, Japanese amulets, and lucky charms.
Events
Throughout the year, various events are held at Byodo-In Temple. This temple invites authors, photographers, and jewelers to its grounds, where guests can then get involved with several different workshops and art showings.
How to Get to Byodo-In Temple from Honolulu
Byodo-In Temple is located within the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. It’s approximately a 25-minute drive from Honolulu, where you’ll primarily travel along the HI-83 W/Kahekili Hwy.
Alternatively, you can take public transport to Byodo-In Temple. From Honolulu, you’ll want to take the 65 bus service (Kaneohe – Ahuimanu). The bus journey is approximately 45 minutes and will drop you off at Hui IWA St + Hui Alaiaha Pl. From here, it’s around an 18-minute walk.
Visiting with a Rental Car
The best way to reach Byodo-In Temple (and visit other attractions on the island of Oahu) is to rent a car.
Luckily, there are some fantastic rental car companies in Honolulu including Enterprise, First Rent-A-Car, and Voyage Rental Cars. Alternatively, you can rent a car straight from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL). Popular rental companies such as Sixt, Alamo, and National Car are located here.
Your other option is to rent a car in advance using a platform such as Discover Cars. You’ll often get much better rental rates this way and will have a wider selection of vehicles to choose from!
Visiting on a Tour
You can always opt for a guided tour if you don’t want to visit Byodo-In Temple independently. The easiest way to see it is to join a Circle Island Tour which makes a stop there throughout the day.
The most popular Circle Island Tour that makes a stop there is operated by Oahu Nature Tours and you will also make stops at Waimea Valley, the Dole Plantation, Halona Blowhole, and the North Shore. Lunch is included in the tour.
Places to Visit near Byodo-In Temple
Heʻeia State Park
Heʻeia State Park is just a 12-minute drive from the temple. This coastal site is the perfect picnicking location, offering stunning views of Kaneʻohe Bay. Here, you can enjoy various Makahiki Games for free, including ‘Ulu maika.
The Friendship Garden
The Friendship Garden is around a 16-minute drive from Byodo-In Temple. Boasting 10 acres of land, it’s the perfect place to relax, hike, and take in the views. Just be aware that parking is extremely limited.
Kualoa Ranch
Kualoa Ranch is a private nature reserve covering approximately 4,000 acres. It’s most famous for being a Jurassic Park filming location. This ranch is under a 20-minute drive away and offers guests a variety of tours, including the popular ‘Hollywood movie sites tour’.
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden
Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden is around a 12-minute drive from the temple. It’s free to visit and spans 400 acres. There are various botanical areas here. These are home to plants from across the world, and each one is accessible by car.
Kailua Beach Park
Kailua Beach Park is around a 25-minute drive from Byodo-In Temple. This park is home to a beautiful beach, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The views are stunning (especially at sunset) and there are bathroom facilities in the area.