Nestled in the valley across from Ko’olau theater, the Byodo-in temple provides students and visitors with a tranquil sanctuary from the chaos of modern life.
The temple serves as a non-denominational shrine and is open to the public, attracting visitors of all religions and nationalities. According to the San Bernardino County Sun, this temple was modeled after the original Byodo-in Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan, which was built 900 years ago and was dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
The Hawaiian replica was constructed and dedicated in 1968 as a tribute to the centennial anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants who established their lives in these islands, according to the Byodo-in temple website.
Takuya Ogasawara, a senior majoring in ICS communications from Japan, said, “It is cool to see the Byodo-in temple here in Hawaii. The design on the Japanese 10 yen coin is the Byodo-in.”
Byodo-in, or “temple of equality,” is a popular lure for both tourists and locals alike, and is often used as a venue for weddings. The temple has also been used in the filming of popular TV shows and movies, such as Lost, Hawaii Five-O, and Pearl Harbor, according to The Los Angeles Times. Due to the shrine’s proximity to the Valley of the Temples cemetery, remains of former Filipino dictator Ferdinand Marcos were housed within the Byodo-in’s walls, according to the Manila Bulletin.
Many visitors ring the five-foot, 6,000-pound “bon-sho,” or sacred bell, before setting foot inside the temple. The bell is rung in hopes for greater contentment and health. Approaching the temple’s entrance, there are signs advising visitors to remove their shoes out of respect. In the center of the building rests a massive Buddha covered in gold leaf looming over 5 meters above temple patrons. Here, guests are free to light incense or candles, offer prayers, or meditate.
Kit Nadado, alumnus of BYUH from the Philippines, was captivated by the Byodo-in. “It was my first time seeing a Buddhist temple. It was really fun. It was very beautiful there, and very well maintained. I think it’s a pretty place to discover another culture. I think Byodo-in is a good experience to feel a Buddhist atmosphere.”
Li-Ju Yu, a senior from Taiwan majoring in social work, was slightly less mesmerized. “I am from a very traditional town, and there are a lot of Buddhist temples. Before my family joined the church, we were Buddhists. It’s like home – normal for me.”
The property is handsomely groomed and is home to peacocks and black swans. The ponds encircling the temple are populated with hundreds of orange and white koi fish and its gardens are lush with colorful foliage, such as birds of paradise flowers and red ginger.
Synneva Collett, a junior majoring in ICS humanities from Montana said of the Byodo-in temple, “I really like it. It’s super peaceful there, and the feel just completely changes from when you’re on the highway and when you get to the temple.”
Admission to the grounds is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children. The ponds are inviting to mosquitoes, so it is recommended for visitors to bring insect repellent. Although this shrine is non-denominational, sightseers are encouraged to help maintain a solemn, reverent atmosphere by keeping noise to a minimum.