About Byodo-In Temple
Modern day Hawaii is heavily influenced by its immigration history. In the late 1800s, when sugar production was the main economic force, hundreds of thousands of immigrants were brought over from Asia and some parts of Europe to work at the labor-intensive sugarcane fields. Some workers eventually returned to their homelands, but many stayed and integrated into the society. In fact, the Byodo Inn temple was constructed on Oahu in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigration in Hawaii.
Byodo-In Temple is a replica of the 950-year-old Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Japan - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The replica on Oahu is a non-practicing Buddhist temple that welcomes people of every faith to worship, meditate, learn about its the history and appreciate its stunning beauty.
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How to Visit Byodo-In Temple
Getting There
Byodo-In Temple is located at the bottom of the Ko’olau Mountains in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. The temple is 13 miles away from the Honolulu airport and is right off the Likelike Highway. For transportation details click here.
Byodo-In Temple Pricing
- General Admission (ages 13-64) - $5.00
- Seniors (age 65 & up) -$4.00
- Children (2-12 years) - $2.00
Cash, Visa, Master, Amex & Discover are all accepted.
Hours of Operation
The Temple Grounds are open 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. Last entrance to Temple Grounds is 4:15 p.m.
Hours may vary during holidays. Check out Byodo-In Temple's website for more information.
Parking
Parking is free and located at the end of the road of the Temples Memorial Park. There is a parking attendant there that will guide you where to park.
RELATED: Check out our Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour where we'll guide you to the temple.
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Things to do at Byodo-In Temple
1. Ring the Bell
2. Feed the Koi
3.
Tips For Your Visit to Byodo-In
- Bring cash. You never know when you’ll need it. The Temple also accepts cash offerings inside.
- Wear layers. It rains frequently in this area, but it can also be humid. So you might want to ‘dress-like-an-onion’ and make sure you have a jacket just in case.
- Wear comfortable shoes.
- Don’t forget your camera! This is a great place to take pictures and take in the beauty of this temple.
- Ring the bell! - There is a large bell that can be heard throughout Kahaluu when rung by visitors. The ringing of this sacred bell will bring you happiness, blessings, and a long life.
- Be respectful - Although this is a non-practicing temple it’s still a sacred place. If you enter in the temple you are required to take your shoes off.
WHAT TO PACK:
- Bring water- There is a gift shop at the temple with water as well.
- Bring snacks for the road - It’s a beautiful scenic ride but snacks always make everything better - Especially if you have littles ones coming along with you.
- Bring cash - The temple accepts cards and cash but it’s always a good idea to bring cash in case you are going to other locations around the island as well.
- Your phone! Pictures are a must and don’t forget to download the Shaka Guide App so we can give you turn by turn directions as well as fun story telling of the history of Oahu. The Grand Circle Island Tour will take you to Byodo-In Temple as well as many more amazing places.
FAQs:
Can you take pictures?
- In general, personal phones, handheld cameras do not require a permit. No Drones allowed.
Can you feed the fish?
- Yes! But you must purchase the fish food at the temple.
Is there cell service?
- Yes! There is full cell service at the temple
Is this a public place?
- No. This is a privately owned and operated. An admission fee is charged for visiting the Temple grounds and also paying respects to General Zhang Xue-Liang’s site.
For more information visit the FAQ section on the Byodo-In Website.
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RELATED: Check out Oahu Grand Circle Island Tour Itinerary and The Ultimate Oahu Travel Guide, Updated for 2022.
Want to hear more about Hawaii's history? Check out our Grand Circle Island Tour!