A smaller-scale replica of the nearly 1,000-year-old Byodo-In in Uji, Japan, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It sits at the foot of the Koʻolau cliffs inside the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park and was dedicated in 1968 for the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaiʻi.
Why we love it
The red temple against the green, fluted Koʻolau cliffs is one of Oʻahu’s most striking sights, and it is calm even with visitors around.
What to expect
You drive through the Valley of the Temples cemetery to reach the temple, so go slowly and be respectful of families visiting graves. Inside the gate, a koi pond sits in front of the red hall, which holds a large Buddha statue. The temple invites you to ring its big bell to announce your arrival, then walk the gardens and feed the koi with food from the gift shop. Most visits take 30 to 45 minutes. Mornings tend to be quieter, and the cliffs behind are often wrapped in cloud after midday.
Know before you go
- Payment
- Credit, debit and contactless only. The temple does not handle cash.
- Fish food
- Outside fish food is not allowed to prevent overfeeding. Buy it at the gift shop.
- Dress
- Dress respectfully; no beach attire.
- Cemetery
- The temple is inside an active memorial park. Drive slowly and keep voices down on the way in.
- Parking
- Paid parking is available; the temple lists it at $6 per hour.
Photo: Steven Pavlov via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
