Byodo-In Temple: How to Visit, Practical Info, & Quick Tips
If you are looking for a spot to add to your Oʻahu itinerary, I highly recommend stopping by the beautiful Byodo-In Temple, a Buddhist Temple in the Valley of Temples Memorial Park.
Located on the windward side of Oʻahu, it is a perfect one-hour stop and located close to several other must-visit sites!
In this guide, I will detail how to visit the Byodo-In Temple, including how to get there with a rental car or on a tour from Honolulu.
Quick Honolulu Travel Guide
If you’re traveling to Honolulu last minute, ensure you have lodging and tours booked ahead of time (as much as you can)! Below are some of my top picks on O’ahu.
⛵ Best tours and activities from Honolulu:
- Full-day O’ahu island tour (my top recommendation to see the island; stops by Byodo-In Temple!)
- Waikīkī afternoon glass-bottom boat trip (a Honolulu bestseller)
- Paradise Cove luau (a luau that is great for families!)
🛌 Top hotels and lodging in Honolulu:
- Moana Surfrider Hotel (a famous place that I love!)
- White Sands Hotel (budget – I stayed here many nights and loved it!)
- Espacio the Jewel of Waikiki (luxury living in Waikīkī)
🍲 Popular places to eat in Honolulu: Senia, Duke’s Waikiki, 53 by the Sea, Merriman’s Honolulu, Sato Seafood (my favorite poke)
🚗 Traveling to O’ahu independently? Be sure to book your rental car ahead of time to ensure availability!
You’ll also learn what there is to see there, some practical information for visiting, and which other Oʻahu attractions you can pair it with.
If you have any questions about visiting the Byodo-In Temple from Honolulu, let me know in the comments. Thanks!
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the following:
About the Byodo-In Temple on Oʻahu
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.
Those stopping by 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: Oʻahu
Address: 47-200 Kahekili Highway, Kāneʻohe, HI 96744
Opening Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm daily (last entrance is at 4:15 pm)
Ticket Prices: adults ($7), senior citizens ($6), children aged 2-12 ($4), children under 2 (free); card only
Parking: free parking lot on-site
How to Get to Byodo-In Temple from Honolulu
The 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.
Visiting with a Rental Car
The best way to reach Byodo-In Temple (and visit other attractions on the island of Oʻahu) is to rent a car. This allows you to merely make a stop and then continue onto other amazing sites nearby!
I would highly suggest renting 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.
Renting your car in advance also ensures you get one as they book up quickly in Honolulu!
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.
My last trip to the Byodo-In Temple was as a Circle Island Tour stop and I was surprised that we had enough time at the temple since I often find these types of tours to be rushed.
There are several Circle Island Tours offered on Oʻahu and most of them will make a stop here, but be sure before you book! This is the one I recommend and it stops at Byodo-In Temple, Waimea Valley, the Dole Plantation, Hālona Blowhole, and the North Shore. It also includes lunch.
Arriving by Public Transportation
You can take public transport to Byodo-In Temple. From Honolulu, you’ll want to take the 65 bus service (Kāneʻohe – ʻĀhuimanu).
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.
Click here to see more about planning your journey on The Bus.
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 located 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.
Visiting the Byodo-In Temple Tips & FAQ
What is the dress code?
Since the temple is a spot for meditation and prayer, you will need to dress appropriately.
While there is no specific dress code in place, it is requested that you do not show up in beachwear. You will also need to remove your shoes for entry to certain places around the temple.
How long do you need at the Byodo-In Temple?
You don’t need more than 30 minutes to an hour. Everything is really easy to see and the parking lot is closed to the attraction, so you don’t need to walk far to reach it.
Do you need to purchase tickets in advance?
No, you can purchase them on the same day at the admissions area upon arrival. You can also purchase them on their website beforehand (and they don’t need to be used the same day you purchase them).
Is the Byodo-In Temple wheelchair-accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair-accessible and you can reach most of the spots around the temple.
There is a ramp into the actual temple and the Buddha, but you may need a small push up there.
Places to Visit Near the 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 Kāneʻohe 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. Spanning 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 here!
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. This is also home to one of my favorite Oahu tours – kayaking to the Mokes!
Byodo-In Temple: On a Map
How To Use This Map
You can use your fingers/mouse to zoom in and out. To get more info about a place, simply touch/click the icons. Want to save this map for later use? Click the ‘⭐’ by the map title and it will add it to your Google Maps account (Saved > Maps or ‘Your Places’).
Do you have any questions about visiting the Byodo-In Temple on O’ahu? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!
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