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Tips for Visiting Byodo-in Temple in Oahu

Sun-kissed beaches and swaying palm trees are usually our images of Hawaii. But, sometimes we also happily welcome a change in scenery. We’ve been to Oahu several times but finally made it to the picturesque Byodo-In Temple which is one of the island’s most beautiful attractions but not always listed in tourist brochures.

Byodo-in Temple

Getting There

Byodo-In Temple is located on the eastern part of the island in the Kaneohe region away from the resorts and most tourist spots. Set in the foothills of the the 2,000 foot Koʻolau Mountains and at the back of the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, it almost felt a world away from the tourist lights of Honolulu.

Byodo-in temple Oahu

We passed through the expansive Valley of the Temples Memorial Park with various sections for each religion. At the back of the cemetery, the lovely temple greeted us where we almost felt like we got transported to Asia. We were glad there weren’t that many people here during our Sunday afternoon visit.

Byodo-in temple bridge

History of the Temple

The grounds were stunning and often used for wedding ceremonies and photo shoots. It was easy to see why with this beautifully landscaped backdrop.

Byodo-in temple with kids

The temple was built here in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year-anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in the Hawaiian Islands. It is also a tribute to the Japanese people in the Hawaiian Islands

byodo-in temple oahu

This version is a smaller replica of the original 950-year-old Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Japan.

Byodo-in temple close-up

The Temple Ponds

A large reflecting pond surrounds the temple. It is in the shape of the Chinese character shin or kokoro meaning spirit.

The pond meanders through the paths where black swans, turtle, fish and frogs co-exist. Colorful koi fish, also known as carp, filled almost every part of the water. They can live to be over 100 years old and symbolize “love, power, perseverance and longevity”.

Byodo-in temple black swan

These had to be some of the biggest koi we’ve ever seen and there were so many of them. They sold bird and fish food at the gift shop for $1 per bag.

My kids were more than happy to feed and see all the fish clamor for food. There certainly weren’t going hungry with all the visitors feeding them.

Byodo-in temple koi carp

The few black swans here were gifts from Australia. There were supposed to be peacocks roaming the temple grounds too but we didn’t get see them despite my kids desperately looking for them.

Byodo-in temple from black swan

The temple is open to all faiths to visit, worship or meditate as a non-practicing Buddhist temple. It is called the Hoodo or Hall of the Chinese Phoenix due to a floor plan that resembles a bird. We saw the two birds of good omen perched on both ends of the roof looking ready to take off.

Byodo-in main temple

The main temple has two wings on either side with a rear tail corridor.

byodo-in temple door

Inside the Temple

Inside the main structure is the stunning Amida (the Buddha of the Western Paradise). Weighing two-ton and at over 9 feet tall, this seated, golden Buddha was an imposing figure.

The Buddha was said to represent “infinite life and light surrounding all beings.” The Buddha is surrounded by 52 small sculptures that are supposed o be “enlightened beings” dancing and playing instruments while floating on clouds.

Byodo-in temple amida buddha

Since the local Buddhist population still use this as a place of worship, removing our shoes before entering was a mandated sign of respect. We only saw one woman inside paying her respects here and lighting an incense.

byodo-in temple shoes

Other Exterior Buildings

It wouldn’t be a Japanese garden without a tea house. However, the original tea house here has been converted into a gift shop.

Byodo-in temple tea house

We also enjoyed the small bamboo grove nearby which made for a lovely setting to walk around and see these durable plants.

Byodo-in temple bamboo

There was also this area that exuded Asian zen.

byodo-in temple sand

I loved seeing all the little niches of tranquility, water and nature intertwined with the temple structures.

Byodo-in temple windows

While the whole area was a perfect setting for meditations, there was also a meditation pavilion located up the hill behind the Temple. It was a wonderful place to relax and admire the view and scenery alongside a small bubbling brook.

Byodo-in temple meditation

Another favorite area for visitors, including my kids, was the Sacred Bell or bon-shu. At over 6 feet high and weighing over 7 tons, this was located inside a bell house. It also resembled the bell at the original Byodo-in temple.

Byodo-in temple sacred bell
Byodo-In Sacred Bell ring

Visitors are encouraged to ring the bell using the wooden log call a shu-moku before entering the temple. The bell’s tones are supposed to clear negative thoughts and bring happiness, blessings and a long life.

We rang this after visiting the temple which defeated the whole purpose of the bell for purification. But, my kids were more than happy to keep ringing it. I can imagine the line here when tour buses stop by and the continuous bell ringing which can probably get quite annoying for those trying to meditate.

This was a wonderful sidetrip from the beaches and Waikiki’s hustle and bustle. Regardless of your religious or spiritual preferences, the temple and its gardens including the pond and meditation areas were a delightful way to spend a peaceful visit and enjoy the beautiful grounds.

Tips for Visiting Byodo-in Temple

  • Admission Prices: US$5 adults; US$2 kids(2-12 years old). They don’t accept cash – only credit cards. You can buy tickets online in advance.
  • Get the $1 fish and bird food and comes in a small plastic bag at the gift shop.
  • Restrooms are located at the back of the gift shop.
  • Free and ample parking
  • The temple and grounds are open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily. Last entrance to the Temple Grounds is at 4:15 PM.
  • When touring the grounds, go left of the temple first to ring the bell before entering the temple.
Byodo-in temple buddha

*Have you visited the Byodo-In Temple? 


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36 thoughts on “Tips for Visiting Byodo-in Temple in Oahu”

  1. thanks for the wonderful tour. Perhaps we should all have one of these bells at the front doors of our homes! Lovely to see a little slice of Australia – the black swans.
    Have a wonderful week and happy travels.

  2. Absolutely gorgeous! I’ve been to Honolulu a number of times as a child and am looking forward to planning a trip there sometime next year! This will definitely be on my list. Also, I love that picture of the koi pond. Crazy! Thanks for sharing, Mary.

    Happy travels :)

  3. From your photos I wouldn’t have guessed that you were in Hawaii. It looks very peaceful. I can well imagine that those koi chomp through a lot of food. I wonder how many bags they sell in a day of koi food. Sounds like this trip was way too short.

    1. It felt and looked like we were in Japan. I can’t even begin to imagine how many bags they sell considering each visitor goes through 1-2 bags. This trip was only for 5 days and really was short and sweet but great to see family and friends.

  4. Wow that is incredible. I was thinking it reminded me of the temple in Miyajima a bit. I have not been to Uji yet, but one day I hope. Something certainly I hope to see if / when I visit Hawaii.

  5. Hi Mary, what a beautiful temple and such a peaceful and picturesque surrounding. It certainly looks like a wonderful place to find respite from the tourist chaos of the island. It’s good to know that it’s still being used for worship. I can’t blame the kids for keeping the bell ringing. It looks fun; I’d probably do the same:) Oops, now you know I’m a bad kid to adopt! I hope you had a nice visit with your family and friends.

  6. Nice to see another side of Hawaii. I like the idea that the temple is so inclusive of all religions. It certainly looks like a beautiful place to visit, Mary. Thanks for the intro and the tour!

  7. I just went there but I didn’t get as many unique photos! I liked the further back photos of the temple with the misty mountains and the one focusing on the buddah with the temple in the background! Gorgeous place!

  8. Such a beautiful place – and I had no idea that it existed! We stayed in Honolulu when we were on Oahu and spent most of our time there. I would love to go back and explore the rest of the island.

  9. I have been to Maui, Kauai and Big Island but never made it to Oahu yet. I did not know there was such an amazing temple on Oahu. GGreat tip and great photos. Next time when I go to Hawaii, I definitely want to visit Oahu.

  10. This sounds like a unique spot in Hawaii. I have wanted to go to Hawaii for a long time and this spot sounds so serene. If I ever did get married I would love to do it here, from everything you described.

  11. Just saw this picture on Pinterest. A guide brought us to this place when we visited Honolulu in 1981. Still looks the same today. I remember the huge bronze bell, the lovely temple and the koi pond There was a Hawaiaan lady of Japanese descent who met us as we wandered around and she mentioned she was a caretaker for the temple. We have not been back since, perhaps one day soon.

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