Address: 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
Byodo-In Temple is located on the Eastern side of the Island of Oahu and situated at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountain. Byodo-In Temple means “Temple of Equality” and it welcomes all comers to paradise. The Temple represents the Japanese coming into America and is located inside the Valley of the Temple Memorial Park. The Byodo-In Temple in Hawaii is a beautiful replica of a historic Japanese Buddhist Temple. The Temple is open 7 days a week from 8:30 am- 5 pm. The admission fee is $5 for adults, $2 for kids under 12 years old, and offers military and Kamaaina (local residents) rates.
We drove for about 35 minutes (16 miles) from our Hilton Hawaiian Village Hotel to Byodo-In Temple via HI- 63 North. Our drive to Byodo-In Temple was very scenic, and fun, as we passed through the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden, Nu’uanu Pali Lookout, Leonard’s Malasadas food truck, and the town of Kaneohe. We arrived at Byodo-In Temple around 3 pm and the free parking lot was almost full.
At the entrance, we had to pass through the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park and drove all the way to the end of the road until we reached the Byodo-In Temple. The parking lot was almost full as we arrived a little bit late around 3 pm. At the entrance booth, we paid $5 for adults ages 13 and up and $2 for kids ages 4-12 years old. We were surprised and in awe, as we crossed a small bridge and saw the beautiful Temple with the panoramic Ko’olau Mountain in the background. The temple was surrounded by a lush greenery garden with tropical plants and a large pond surrounded the Temple. We then proceeded to the 5 ft sacred bell called Bon-shu which is located before the entrance to the Temple. We all pulled back the large wooden log and it produced such a soothing, calming, relaxing sound that soothes others at ease. It is believed that ringing the sacred bell will bring blessings of happiness and longevity of life from Buddha. We had to remove our shoes/slippers before we went inside the peaceful Temple. There is this huge 9 feet buddha situated inside the middle of the temple that is housing all the sacred urns. It was such a beautiful and spiritual statue to see and experience. There were also a few visitors who said a prayer and lighted an incense stick inside the temple.
Our next stop was the gift shop and the large Koi pond surrounding the Temple. My daughter and I purchased a bag of fish food for $2 at the gift shop. My daughter had fun feeding the numerous large Koi fishes in the pond and was all fighting or jumping out of the water for food. We were surprised as a beautiful black swan suddenly emerged from the corner and joined the other Koi fishes. It swam back and forth towards us and entertained all the visitors who were busy taking pictures. Just don’t get too close to the swan as a safety precaution. We took lots of great pictures of the entire area of the Byodo-In Temple with its relaxing, tranquil settings.
Overall it was a great experience for us to be able to visit a sacred, peaceful, and tranquil place in Hawaii. It’s a place to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle lifestyle in the city such as Waikiki. I would highly recommend this place when you visit the Island of Oahu. Our entire exploration of the Byodo-In Temple lasted for at least an hour and it was well worth it.
Tips: Ensure that you pack bottled water to stay hydrated and parking is a little bit challenging to find an open spot so be patient. Be respectful, be quiet and remove your shoes/slippers before entering the sacred temple. You will have to pass through a cemetery at the entrance and will need to drive all the way to the end of the road to reach the Byodo-in Temple.
Let me know if you have any questions, comments or what you think about Byodo-In Temple after your visit in the comments below. And kindly share our family travel blog site with your friends and family. Or even include our travel blog website address when you post your pictures on social media. Have fun and stay safe. Thank you.
Click here to find a hotel near or around Byodo-In Temple.
Click the banner below to book your Hawaii activities or tour packages.
