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I found peace and solitude during my recent trip to Hawaii. While driving from Oahu to North Shore, I couldn’t help but visit The Byodo-In Temple in Hawaii’s Ko’olau Mountains.

The Byodo-In Temple is a non-practicing Buddhist temple that is a scale replica of a temple in Uji, Japan. All faiths, beliefs, and people are welcome to visit here.

If you have some extra time outside of lounging in the sun on the shores of Oahu, I would highly recommend visiting here. It was one of the highlights of my trip to Hawaii, and I will share why with you.

The Temple of Equality

Byodo-in translates to the “Temple of Equality, ” meaning everyone is welcome here. The temple was built in 1968 as a centennial commemoration of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii.

Kyoto Landscaper Kiichi Toemon Sano designed the Japanese garden and fish pond, which is beautiful to admire when walking the grounds. The fish pond is filled with koi, a Japanese fish symbolizing love and friendship.

Meditation Pavilion

Seeking a peaceful escape during your Hawaii vacation? Stop by the Mediation Pavilion, which is located on the hill behind the temple.

Bon-Sho Sacred Bell

Make sure you ring the five-foot, three-ton brass Bon-sho, the sacred bell. The Bon-sho resembles the bell hanging in an identical Bell House at the Uji Byodo-In.

It is customary for visitors to ring the bell before entering the temple. Tradition says this will provide you with happiness and longevity.

To ring the bell, you must pull and release the shu-moku, which is a wooden leg. This will ring the bell very loud!

After ringing the bell, it is time to enter the Temple. There will be an area to take off your shoes upon entering, which is a custom.

Amida Buddha

Another amazing attribute of the temple is the Amida Buddha statue, which reflects light as it appears to look over lotus leaves.

Japanese sculptor Masuzo Inui first designed the replica as a mini version. Then, after, Jokei Sagawa carved the large two-ton.

You can light an incense here to send good wishes and offer a prayer to those in your life.

Gift Shop

Don’t forget to visit the Gift Shop before you leave, which is open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Gift Shop was originally a Japanese tea house.

Today, they sell fish and bird food and a variety of unique gifts, such as custom Byodo-In Hawaii souvenirs, Japanese paper fortune, Buddha statues, and more.

How To Get To The Byodo-In Temple?

Oahu’s Byodo-In Temple is located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, which sits at the base of the Ko’olau Mountains.

It is only a 30-minute drive north from Oahu’s main beaches. Drive yourself or take a guided tour.

We took an entire day trip from the beaches of Oahu to the North Shore and back; this was one of our stops along the way.

Do You Need Reservations?

Yes, you do!

Tickets are only $5 per person and can be purchased online. You can stop by and try to purchase tickets at the door, but sometimes they are at max capacity.

When Is The Byodo-In Temple Open?

The temple grounds are open daily from 8:30 am – 4:30 pm. The last entrance to the Byodo-in temple in Oahu is at 4:15 pm.

How Much Time Does It Take To Visit The Byodo-In Temple?

I would block at least one hour to explore the grounds fully. You can make it a quick half-hour stop, but my favorite part was taking my time and enjoying the flowers and ponds.

I recommend stopping by Leonard’s Bakery before heading to the temple!