Hawaii, HI : Valley of the Temples

Valley of the Temples

Hawaii

Honolulu County

Kaneohe

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Address 47-200 Kahekili Highway Kaneohe, HI 96744	Hours Every day 8:30am - 4:30pm

Directions
From Waikiki, Take H-1West to the Likelike Highway. Follow the Likelike Highway to Kahekili Highway. The Valley of the Temples is on the left.

Description:
On the windward side of Oahu, hidden within the Koolau mountain range you can find the Valley of the Temples. The Valley of the Temples is essentially a cemetery, but as you pay your two dollar entrance fee and drive into the valley, you realize that it is much more than just a cemetery. Nestled within the spectacular Koolau mountain range the serene beauty of the valley is only one reason to visit Valley of the Temples. Scattered around the 10 acres of manicured gardens are various temples, the most impressive of which lies towards the back of the cemetery.

The Byodo-In temple is breathtaking. Built in 1968 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigrants coming to Hawaii, the temple is an exact replica of a 900 year old Buddhist temple in Japan. The temple is truly impressive, with a large koi pond teeming with fish, while black swans glide across the pond. A small bridge leads to the temple, but before you go to the temple, don’t miss the large bell on the left. Ringing the huge, three ton bell before entering the temple is a tradition. The sounds of the ringing bell is said to instill peace in ones mind. Inside the temple you will find the large, 18 foot statue of Buddha. Incense and matches sit at a table, for those coming to worship there. Between the intoxicating smell of incense and the peacefulness of the mountains and koi ponds, Valley of the Temples is truly a serene place.

Once you’re done visiting the Byodo-In temple, spend some time walking around the gardens where there are even more koi ponds and also a meditation house. To the left of the Byodo-In temple is a small gift shop and tea house. In addition to the Byodo-In temple, there are some truly impressive and very old family mausoleums here. Before you leave, be sure to walk up Chapel Road on the right, for some more spectacular views of this peaceful valley. If you’re looking to get away from the stresses of the city, there are few places more peaceful than the Valley of the Temples.

Written By: Shiromi Arserio

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