The Byodo-In Temple is located at the foot of the Ko’olau Mountains in Valley of the Temples Memorial Park about 40 minutes from Ko Olina Beach Villas. It is a non-practicing Buddhist temple which welcomes people of all faiths to worship, meditate, or simply appreciate its beauty.
It was established in 1968 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The Byodo-In Temple in Oahu is a smaller-scale replica of the over 950-year-old Byodo-in Temple, a United Nations World Heritage Site in Uji, Japan.
Inside the Byodo-In Temple is a 18 ft statue of the Lotus Buddha covered in gold and lacquer. Outside is a three-ton brass peace bell. Surrounding the temple are large koi ponds and lush Japanese gardens set against the towering cliffs of the Ko’olau Mountains. The gardens are also home to wild peacocks, black swans, turtles, frogs, and other animals. The beautiful grounds include a large reflecting pond, meditation niches, and small waterfalls.
The Temple Grounds are open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily. General admission ranges between $2 and $5 (kids and adults). For more information, visit https://byodo-in.com/index.htm.
