Hike-in Required
No
ADA accessible
No
Guided tours
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Byodo-In Temple is a non-practicing Buddhist temple and is a smaller replica of the 950-year-old temple in Japan of the same name. It was built in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of Japanese immigrants first arriving in Hawaii. Located at the foothills of the Ko'olau Mountains, the stunning temple is surrounded by a tropical paradise. After heavy rains, which can be common in Kane'ohe, the curtain-like mountains have cascading waterfalls just above the temple.

Inside of the temple is a 9-foot-tall Amida Buddha statue covered in a gold lacquer. In front of the temple is a large koi (carp) pond surrounded by peacock-laden lawns, and swans and turtles lumber around with the visitors. The Bon-Sho, a 3-ton and 5-foot-high sacred bell, is ready to be rung by the log that is suspended to strike the brass behemoth, sending good fortune echoing through the valley.

The Valley of the Temples in which the Byodo-In resides is a cemetery, memorial, and a sacred area covered in lush jungle with steep cliffs overhead. Commonly used for weddings and receptions, it is one of the more popular sites on the windward side of O'ahu. This is a great family destination, and it is beautiful in all weather.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

Other

Pros

Beautiful and serene. Great history. Spiritual. Waterfalls above after heavy rain.

Cons

Can be crowded.

Pets allowed

Allowed with Restrictions

Features

Big vistas
Geologically significant
Old-growth forest
Waterfalls

Location

Comments

The distance to the Temple from the gate is literally only a couple hundred yards. Very flat, very accessible. When I visited, there were artists set up on the right side. If you look closely, you can see them. They sell their art there. Has a small gift shop as well.
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