Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple stands at the foot of the Koʻolau Mountains in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, on Kahekili Highway in Kaneohe. It is a smaller-scale replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan, a United Nations World Heritage Site, and it is a Hawaii state landmark. A non-practicing Buddhist temple, it welcomes people of all faiths to worship, meditate or simply appreciate it, and it is not a practicing monastery. Valley of the Temples Memorial Park and the Byodo-In Temple Hawaii own and run it privately, and it is a religious site within the cemetery, with a columbarium behind the Amida Buddha. In Phoenix Hall sits the Amida Buddha, a seated figure covered with Japanese lacquer and finished with gold leaf. The Bell House holds a sacred brass bell cast in Osaka, Japan, customarily rung before entering the temple. There are no guided visits, and informational signs explain the grounds as you go. Dress appropriately, with no beach attire, and behave as you would in a place of worship: no running, yelling, throwing rocks, climbing trees or bothering wildlife. Outside fish food is not permitted, though fish food is sold in the gift shop, and pets are not allowed except service animals. Photos with your phone or a handheld camera need no permit, but planned photo shoots do. Parking is paid by the hour, and tickets are sold online or at the entrance by card, with no cash.