Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, Cemetery, Cremation, Funeral

This place is a must see. The grounds are absolutely amazing. I do not know much about the religion, though I still recommend it as a stop. The scenery is breathtaking. The gentleman at the front gate was very friendly and helpful. They have a little gift shop with some really neat stuff We really enjoyed our time here. It is very peaceful and serene.

A Peaceful and Beautiful Experience 🤍 Visiting the Valley of the Temples was an incredibly serene and memorable experience. The Byodo-In Temple is breathtaking — a stunning replica nestled against the lush backdrop of the Ko'olau Mountains. The peaceful atmosphere, koi ponds, and meticulously maintained grounds create a sense of calm and reverence. It’s a beautiful place to reflect, take in nature, and appreciate the cultural significance of the site. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Oahu — it’s a must-see for both its beauty and tranquility. 🌺🤍

We visited the grounds and the Buddhist Temple. It was beautiful. The family service advisor Helena Bauer was AWESOME! She answered our questions, shared great insights, and let us view the niches in the temple. It was a sacred experience and we are grateful to Helena for being a part of that! Death can be an uncomfortable topic for some but Helena approaches the subject with a graceful, caring, and wise sentiment. Thank you 💖

Visit the valley of the temples to absorb the peace and tranquility that the lap of Koolua mountains has to offer. Drive around to see the amazing valley and the gorgeous green mountains around. The Byodo Buddhist temple inside is a popular tourist attraction here to visit.Please note the temple is part of the cemetery and is an active site for burial rituals

Not too far from Waikiki and diamond head. It is included in most of the circle the oahu island tour or a good drive with a hill of temples - churches, cemetery and byodi temple. Beautiful architecture with both koi pond and bird feeding experience. It also has a large gong to experience the sound. Nestled in a quiet hill with a meditation center.

Absolutely beautiful cemetery and Buddhist Temple. Lots of wildlife and an opportunity to ring a giant bell, light incense, and reflect.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who has helped make it possible for my family to honor and lay to rest my mother, Fallen Officer Tiffany Enriquez, in such a meaningful and beautiful place. From the beginning, Virginia Cariaga has gone above and beyond... consistently reaching out and supporting us with incredible kindness and care. Her patience, compassion, and genuine understanding of what grieving families are going through made all the difference. Virginia has a sweet and comforting presence, and it’s clear she was truly made for this work. Because of her, we are finally able to lay my mom to rest in her home of Hawaii, a place that means so much to us. I also want to thank Lisa Lee, whose assistance with the formalities and memorial planning was invaluable. The time and care she gave us during this process did not go unnoticed. I am truly grateful that Valley of the Temples is the place where my mom will be laid to rest. It brings me peace knowing she will be in such a serene and beautiful location. My family and I also sincerely appreciate the generosity extended to us with the unexpected acts of kindness that touched our hearts. Thank you all again for walking with us during such a personal and emotional journey. My heart has always been tied to this area, and now, I am at peace knowing my mom is finally home.

I don’t know how to put my feelings in words about this place. This is one of the best places I have been in my life till date. There is a $5 entrance fee at the entrance gate. Huge parking available. Everything is great about the place, it’s hard to write a review for this place. If you are missing place in Hawaii trip then your trip is not full filled, definitely recommend this place.

A very peaceful place "eternal resort ". It is beautiful and relaxing. Not great for accessibility, uneven ground. I managed on a mobility scooter but a wheelchair might be challenging. Enjoy the traditional Japanese architecture. It is a cemetery so please be respectful. Parking is tight.

If you are travelling by private vehicle, Ho'omaluhia Botanical Gardens is 15 minutes away. If you visit Byodo-In Temple, I would include the garden as part of your day trip. If the directional in your mobile device takes you to "Valley of the Temples" memorial park, you're in the right place. Byodo-In Temple is located within a nondenominational cemetery. Byodo-In Temple is a replica of a 900-year old Buddhist temple in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan. It was dedicated in August 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of first Japanese immigration to Hawai'i. A couple of notes: Use your mobile and buy your tickets in advance. This is a cashless facility ... When planning my trip, I thought I would simply arrive and pay cash the $7 entry fee (saving the temple processing fees). I ended up purchasing an e-ticket on my mobile, on site. (Fortunately, my connection was good.) The gift shop is also cashless; minimum card purchase is $2. The temple has a small parking lot. when you arrive, it might be full. However, touring the facility can be completed in as little as 30 minutes; the parking spaces turn over regularly. Other than that, this is a really photogenic venue. And there are a lot of photo ops.

We stopped by the Byodo-In Temple during our trip to Oahu--this was my second visit, and it remains one of my favorite peaceful spots on the island. Located inside the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, the temple is a smaller-scale replica of the nearly 1,000-year-old Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan. This place is a Hawaii State Landmark and absolutely worth the visit. From the moment you walk in, there's a calming presence to the grounds. It's customary to ring the sacred bon-sho (bell) before entering--symbolizing peace and mindfulness. The grounds feature a beautiful koi pond with large, vibrant koi swimming throughout. You could easily spend time just watching them and enjoying the scenery. Visitors are also welcome to remove their shoes and visit the Amida Buddha, where you can light incense as an offering or moment of reflection. Admission is about $7 for adults and can be paid online via their website, which is super convenient. On-site, the staff were polite and helpful, making the visit feel even more welcoming. Before leaving, make sure to stop by the gift shop--it has a nice selection of souvenirs to remember your visit. Tips: - Admission is ~$7 and can be paid online - Wear easy slip-on shoes (you'll need to remove them at the Buddha shrine) - Take time to ring the bell--it's part of the experience - Bring your camera; this place is incredibly photogenic - The koi pond alone is worth the visit - Friendly and respectful staff on site to help with any questions

A beautiful and breathtaking temple to visit surrounded by nothing but nature. The green mountains set the vibes around the temple along with the pond in the front. There were so many little and big koi fishes in the ponds and they have a gift shop/bathrooms/food truck with refreshing drinks on the right side of the garden. The little kid in me just wanted to feed the koi fish rather than enjoy the actual temple itself and that's what I did! I bought some of the food in the store and all the fish swarmed me. So funny! The temple is a good photo opportunity for Instagram too if you want to take some artsy photos. The temple itself is so well taken care of you take your shoes off before entering. The have incense and an opportunity to pray. We ended the experience ringing the bell!

Beautiful temple and nice inexpensive stop to add to your drive if you're exploring the island. This is an active temple so be prepared to remove your shoes before entering. My kids enjoyed feeding the koi (fish food for purchase) and I enjoyed the fresh juice from the stand by the temple. So many merchants to buy art are here as well.

The Byodo-In Temple is a must see if your in Hawaii, I have never experienced something like that ever!! The grounds are absolutely picturesque and the temple is so peaceful. They have a gift shop and places to feed the koi fish and other vendors with handmade goods. There are many things to learn and enjoy here. Parking can be a little bit tricky with buses and cars both visiting. This place is magical and I see why parking lot is so congested.

Bad experience in the check in area. Let me process my own ticket online dont be bothered if I'm not paying through you. I don't care how long it takes to process online I've been here I've process payment online before. Its not my 1st time entering information dont worry about me help other instead and give some Aloha!

Honestly, cool views and very tranquil but not much to see for the $7 a person price. There is a fun gong you can sound. The Buddha is inside and you have to remove your shoes for that. After that is a small vendor section and a koi pond. You can buy fish and bird food for $2 at the small gift shop. Overall worth 10 minutes of your time if you are in the area. Around 30min from Kailua Beach Park.

Growing up in Japan, seeing temples like this is nothing special. But it is really cool Hawaii offers and appreciates this big temple well-maintained. The koi fish pond is really cool and also scary once you start feeding them.

The temple was very beautiful I 100% recommend going. Parking is a bit limited, but we were able to find a spot on the side. The views were amazing and there were a lot of great photo spots. Loads of koi fish in the water and you are able to feed them by going to the shop and getting the food. You have to take your shoes off to enter the actual temple to see the big buddha, but if you don't feel comfortable doing that there is still a lot of great areas around to see cool stuff. I think that it's worth the price for what you get to see.

This was such a cool stop to make! It really felt special and sacred despite plenty of people being there. I love how they don't allow people to walk directly in front of the temple, so there is always a nice, clear view. The ponds were filled with koi fish, there was a giant bell you could ring, incense to light within the temple itself, and a bit of souvenir shops you could explore (although I found these to be a bit pricey). Truly a stunning view and well-worth the travel to see.

Upon first sight, I felt like I was transported straight to Japan! This is a very popular attraction located at the Temples Memorial Park. While it was fairly crowded at 2:00P, the line to pay for admission moved quickly. Prices are very reasonable at $5 per adult and $4 for seniors 65+. Upon entry, after crossing the bridge, head to the left where you can step up to the Bon Sho (Sacred Bell) and strike it with a swing of the wooden log. The sound is said to clear your mind before heading over to enter the temple. Visitors need to remove their shoes before stepping inside to view the Amida Buddha statue, so I'd recommend wearing socks or bringing a pair with you. Despite the crowd, the temple exudes an aura of peace and solace for prayer and reflection. You can light an incense if you wish. A short trail near the Sacred Bell will lead you up a small hill to Meditation Pavilion where you can enjoy a quiet(er) view of the temple from behind. It was great to capture a photo from this perspective without worrying about people stepping into the shot. Take a peek in the water which is alive with a huge population of hungry Koi fish. A small store sells little bags of Koi food and the fish went wild when kids threw handfuls of the pellets. When in Oahu, this is a must to include in your itinerary. We spent about one hour here which was enough time to fully explore the grounds and capture some photos. It's not much of a time commitment and worth the drive out!

A beautiful breathtaking place to visit that is humbling. This temple has a cemetery, koi ponds, a large gong that the public can sound. Must take your shoes off when passing inside the temple. There are fish food for purchase, $2 a bag. The kids had fun feeding the many Koi fish in the pond. There are also art, souvenirs, gong replicas, snacks and jewelry. Come and see the amazing tame and feel the spiritual surroundings and view the peaceful sights. Definitely worth it!

Simply incredible and must stop by. It is within a much larger memorial park. Best koi fish. Super easy parking and close to the temple grounds. There are local artist vendors (Grocken, who paints the temple cat TomTom) and a small gift shop where you can buy fish food. Visit for the serenity.

A Sacred, Soul-Soothing Experience Like many others, I've been struggling mentally, and this trip was my way of searching for peace -- and perhaps, rediscovering myself. Visiting this sacred place became one of the most healing parts of my journey. The drive alone was breathtaking. Winding through lush, green mountains only heightened my anticipation. I could feel the significance of the site even before we arrived. This was, surprisingly, the most affordable excursion of our trip -- though in truth, the experience is priceless. I would have gladly paid more. As we entered the grounds, a deep sense of reverence washed over me. The care and respect given to the burial sites was immediately evident. It's a place that honors those at rest while offering something beautiful to the living as well. Crossing the bridge and catching my first glimpse of the temple took my breath away. As I walked through the grounds, I felt a wave of calm unlike anything I'd known in a long time. The babbling streams, the vibrant wildlife, and the presence of countless koi let me know that the spirit of this place is alive in many forms. Seeing prayer notes flutter in the breeze, feeding the koi, praying to Buddha, and ringing the bell -- each moment brought a sense of clarity and grounding. I took in a deep breath of fresh air and quietly thanked this sacred place for the stillness and light it brought me. It reminded me that even in the darkest times, there is beauty to be found. And sometimes, it's waiting for you in the most unexpected places.

Wow, what an experience! A must see and must do for when visiting, Oahu. Had no idea this place even existed but after discovering I cannot recommend enough! Such an incredible and peaceful experience, truly a feast for the eyes. It's super affordable to enter and card only, no cash. Expect to stay anywhere from an hour to two hours here. Enjoy the sights and sounds and everything in between, you will not be disappointed!

WHEN: Mon @11am Since it was a weekday, it wasn't so packed. We lucked out with nearby parking, which is parking. Admissions are: $5 - Adults $2 - Kids It's a lot smaller than I thought, but still a nice spot to check out. They have a gift shop, where you can buy a pack of food that feeds both the fish and birds there for only $2 They also have a smoothie booth to buy fresh smoothies and coconut juice. There are peacocks around too...well we spotted one. We were there for just under an hour.

We stopped by the Byodo-In Temple near closing time, and it was perfect. It was super peaceful with hardly anyone around. We had plenty of time to walk around, feed the koi fish (which the kids loved), light an incense candle, and ring the big bell. The grounds are beautiful and so well kept. Definitely worth a stop if you're looking for a quiet, reflective moment during your trip.

In our travels, we've visited a number of temples. Each has their unique characteristics and Byodo-In Temple is no different. To get to the temple you must first drive through a multi denomination cemetery. Those it may seem macabre, seeing how different cultures treat and respect their dead can be fascinating and educational. The temple and the cemetery are not theme parks so reverence and respect should be the order of the day. The temple is stunning replica of Japan's Uji Byodo-In Temple and offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Its architecture is masterful, with intricate details. It is tucked away with a spectacular mountain backdrop. The lushness of its surroundings gives it a stunning look. I visited in both sunshine and rain. It was worth it both times. The main attraction in the Valley of the Temples is a Japanese temple called Byodo-in, which translates to the "Temple of Equality." A scale replica of a temple in Uji Japan and made entirely without nails, Byodo-in was dedicated in 1968 as a centennial commemoration of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaiʻi. There is a serene atmosphere. A giant bell greets you almost immediately. Guests are free to ring it, and its sounds add to the serenity. A path leads you to smaller temples and contemplation areas. Coy ponds surround the main temple which houses a large statue of Buddha. Buddhism is practiced world wide, this gives you a glimpse into its practice in Japan. While society always seem to be in a rush and prefer photos over experience these days, the Byodo In-Temple beckons you to pause, be in the moment, be present. It calls you to reflect and contemplate.

In 4 trips to the islands over a span of 20 years, I had always, and I mean *ALWAYS* wanted to come see the Temple. This year, on our first ever family/multi-generational trip to Oah'u, we visited Byodi-In together and it was worth the wait. First, let me preface this by saying that in spite of petty complaints in some reviews, the days, operating hours & last time to enter are CLEARLY posted and info on their website in up to date. Additionally, it gives all the info you'd need to plan a visit, eg dress code, conduct, ticket info (including kamaaina rate!) how long it'll take to tour the grounds, and much more. Any conscientious visitor could take just a few minutes to read what is expected before visiting a sacred place and now make complains afterwards. *steps off soapbox* That aside, the grounds and gardens are stunning and the Temple itself is magnificent. This isn't a tourist trap; it's a place of worship. The ENTIRE Valley of the Temples Memorial Park is a sight, and well worth the few dollars to stop along the way to see this gem. This Temple is a replica of the original found in Uji, Japan. Buddhists and non-Buddhists will be enthralled at it's beauty, serenity, quiet dignity and Aloha. Hawaii is so full of culture and must-not-miss historical stops, this is definitely one to include in your Oah'u sightseeing.

I came here with a tour group and honestly, I have no clue how our driver was able to get the small tour bus in backward. Parking is tight! This is not a Buddhist temple with monks or services, but more of a mortuary / show temple in the middle of a cemetery complex. It's apparently based off of a temple by the same name in Japan. There are people trying to sell your burial plots right at the entrance of the temple which seems a bit gauche. On the exit side of the temple, there is a small building that houses gift shops and I believe a snack stall where you can buy koi and bird food. People were feeding fish and birds that are clearly used to people because they were landing in people's hands for photo ops. There is a giant bell outside and it seemed like everyone was taking turns ringing it with a giant striker while getting their photo taken for social media. Basically this temple is a big spot for photos and buying souvenirs and not much else. I'm not Buddhist and I wouldn't have stopped in if it wasn't a tour stop on the bus I was on. It's pretty but not my thing. Visited September 2024

Very zen place to be at. Looks amazing and it was great to purchase food for birds and fish and see how they come to you for food. Entrance fee is just about right and you get awesome pictures here.

Friday, August 23, 2024: This was the second stop of the E Noa Majestic Circle Island Tour. This temple and its backdrop are so picturesque and serene it seems surreal. The overcast day did not take away from the beauty and tranquility of this sacred place. Highly recommend stopping here!

I haven't been here since I was a young adult decided to bring my young adult children so they could also experience the beauty and culture. Happy to see People from all over the world taking their time out to come, view, experience and pay respect. Reasonable entry fee of $5; parking was a concern but opened up in a matter of minutes. If you have the time and on the East Side of Oahu (Kaneohe) I highly recommend.

Definitely one of the best places to visit if you are interested in East Asian culture and its impact to the islands. The Byodo-In is a real life replica of the same temple in Japan, and it's an amazing spot tucked away that makes for a very serene experience. Ring the gong, enter the temple and light some incense, and enjoy feeding the fish and even getting an omikuji (fortune). Limited parking, entrance fee (and kama'āina discount). Definitely worth checking out if you're circumnavigating the island. Make this one of your stops.

Totally worth checking out. What a beautiful spiritual place and the view is unreal with the mountains rising up from behind the temple. It was roughly $5 per person and we were on the tour around the island and this was one of the early stops. FYI - No shoes allowed in the temple. No problem. You get to light an incense which is very cool. You can buy fish food at the gift shop - totally worth it! I also bought some souvenirs there too. I also bought a fortune and then tied it to a tree outside. Lots of great photo ops. Some peacocks roaming around. What a beautiful and peaceful place. I also think the samurai cemetery is really neat that they are there to protect the temple.

After seeing many Instagram reels about this place, I knew I had to make it a point to visit on one of my days in Oahu. There's a good amount of parking but it does get full as there are other tourists who frequent this site. Upon arrival, you see the beauty of the temple right away and you can hear a noise in the background. Eventually I realized it's a line of people waiting to ring the bell (you do so by pulling a cord back and releasing it), but it adds to the ambience. You have the ability to feed the koi fish or the nearby birds which we did. There's a part inside that has a beautiful Buddha with a sign of the historical significance. You must remove your shoes and remain quiet. If you'd wish to light a candle you can do so for free, many people did that and said a quick prayer. It was a very calming experience and doesn't require much walking. We were able to tour it and be out within an hour so it's not a long stop. We ended up going to Pearl Harbor afterwards since it was only a 30 minute drive away. Overall, I'd recommend any tourist to visit and it's also very cheap so you won't break the bank coming here.

Gorgeous and serene temple located at the top of the mountain past the Hawaiian cemetery. With gift shop and koi fish

Well vacationing in Honolulu it was suggested to us to visit the temple and I'm so glad we did . The temple area was easy to access with a short drive. They do charge a five dollar per person entry free, but it is beautiful and totally worth it. There's so much to see and take in and it's calming and relaxing .

Even if you are not religious or into temples, come for the surrounding views. The drive up to the temple is really nice. There's not a whole lot to see once inside but admission is only $5/person.

Great place. Definitely worth a visit. Feeding pigeons and fish was the best part for my 2 year old. Crowded though.

The temple is definitely smaller than I expected, but still an overall nice excursion. The temple is very picturesque, as is the surrounding pond and little waterfalls. As you arrive, there is a gong that you can strike to wash away negative energy. As you walk a little ways, there is a little gazebo for meditation. When you enter the temple, you may light incense and/or pray. This area gets crowded, and it's very small. As you leave this area, you're surrounded by artsy merchandise for sale. It kinda takes away from the serenity of the temple. There's also a snack shack, rest rooms, and koi fish and birds that you can feed. Overall, an hour is more than enough to explore. It's very picturesque, but also very commercial.

This a cool temple to check out ... reminds us of Japan! The parking here is compact and small. Cars share the same parking lot with tourist buses. The entrance fee is $5. Nice grounds to walk around and check out. Nice koi pond with plenty of fish. To enter the temple; there's reminders to please take off your shoes.

Temple is very relaxing and in touch with your spirituality. Feeding the koi fish was very fun too. Great place to go to reconnect with your elders.

What a beautiful spiritual place in Oahu, didn't expect to visit such a wonderful Buddhist temple on this island. Located beneath the mountains, surrounded by beautiful nature, this spiritual retreat offers a true escape from modern society. As soon as you step into the secret ground, you feel purified. Cannot wait to go back.

Byodo-In Temple is an underrated attraction that transports you to another time and place. The backdrop as you drive up to the entrance is magnificent with the scenery. You can book tickets online in advance or purchase tickets as you enter. At $5 per person, I found this to be a reasonable entrance fee. People come from all over the world to visit this place, and it should not be missed when on Oahu in June.

What a beautiful temple in the Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe. We visited the temple as part of a tour but you could easily rent a car to get here as well. You can take pictures for free before you cross the bridge but it is a $5 entry fee to cross the bridge and visit the temple, gift shop and ring the bell. As with any Buddhist temple please be respectful and remove shoes before entering, remain quiet and respectful of others while inside. A truly peaceful and tranquil experience

When we arrived at the temple, we felt the quietness, peacefulness, and calmness in the air. Everything was just slow pace despite the tourism going on. Just going through the whole process made our mind go blank from the stress. It was cool seeing all the zen statues and koi fish swimming. There's also a gift shop nearby with some cool antiques. People come through to find change.

The Byodo-In Temple is a beautiful spot that's worth visiting on the island of Ohau in Hawaii. It's located within the Valley of the Temples, and is a smaller-scale replica of the Byodo-In Temple in Japan. There are no religious activities that takes place at this temple, as it serves more as a peaceful sanctuary where anyone can come and meditate or take a break from their day-to-day lives. There's a free parking lot on site, and general admission is $5. You can purchase tickets online, or at the gates (cash not accepted). It's recommended to allocate 30 minutes to an hour at the temple to give you time to explore the grounds, and take pictures. Visitors are also welcome to buy fish food from the gift shop to feed the koi in the pond.

Loved getting the Okimujis here every time I come back to Oahu. The scenery is really nice and it feels great praying away all the negativity. Plus lots to look at in the gift shop and surrounding areas.

I have been to this temple before and decided to come again. It is a great place to come and visit because it is almost like visiting Japan. There is a giant bell that you can ring and it is supposed to help ward off negative energy. There is also a temple that you can go pray in. There are a lot of fish and birds and even a black swan which I thought was pretty neat. We bought my son some fish food so that he could feed the fish. We all had a great time.

The byodo temple is a must see when in Oahu. Beautiful temple and grounds and a nice way to connect spiritually.

I really enjoy the environment at this place as well as the big Buddha in the temple. We made it early before the crowds and got to enjoy the area with a bit of peaceful observation of the greenery and koi. It's been 3 years but I still love this place

Serene, peaceful and a must see place when in Oahu, don't miss it at all. Byodo is a buddist temple on the island and it's a bit of a drive, still a must do. Few things to know before, cover your legs, wear pants and dress accordingly, it's not a beach, wear appropriate clothes as its a temple. There's a $5 fee per car and parking is pretty easy once you enter inside the resort, there's a resort up the hill, the temple and couple of cemeteries are right inside. There's a gift shop and a juice shop right inside, you can walk, shop and relax. Personally I felt the juice shop was overpriced. Lots of fishes and birds, you can buy the food at Gift shop and feed too. Check out the Bell at the entrance of temple ring it, brings in good luck and prosperity.

Really a sight for sore eyes. The admission is cheap if you are Kamaʻāina! This place is a great family friendly spot and educational too. Highly recommend coming here if you ever visit Hawaii. It's also a must to ring the gong!

Had a great experience at this temple which made you feel like you were in the mountains of Japan. They give kamaaina discount which was nice and their prices were reasonable. We spent around 30 minutes here so it definitely isn't an all day activity but a great place to stop by and check out if you're on the windward side!

Nestled in the lush Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe Town, Oahu. The Byodo-In Temple, a smaller-scale replica of the 900-year-old temple in Uji, Japan, is a true architectural marvel. The tranquil reflecting pond, towering pagoda, zen garden create an atmosphere of serenity and peaceful contemplation. Whether you're just visiting the island or a local, make sure to add this hidden gem to your itinerary - it's a feast for the senses!

When you go to Oahu definitely go here. This is a must visit as it's a very peaceful and picteresque location. It's got a beautiful background of the O'ahu mountain and beautiful juxtaposition of red against the green. It showcases the full beauty and culture of Hawai'i. The koi ponds, and the buddha statues are lovely.

Very serene and beautiful location. My grandkids love to feed the fish and birds here. Always a must visit when the grandkids come to town.