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

Awesome place to come visit. The temple is beautiful :) Loved the pond with all the koi fish. There is a $5 entry fee per person if you are not with a tour group. Parking is limited.

I am a volunteer photographer for FindAGrave, a resource for documenting and photographing graves and memorials. People can request photographs of loved ones' graves if they are unable to visit in-person. There are currently hundreds of open requests for photographs of graves in Valley of the Temples and I wanted to help the loved ones who are unable to fly here. I have a deep reverence for the individuals honored here and my conduct was completely respectful. Today, a man in a riding mower approached me and said I was not allowed to take photographs. I asked him why. He said it is illegal to take photographs of graves. This is a blatant lie; there are no state or federal laws prohibiting photography of public cemeteries. I understand there is a lot of tourist traffic because of the temple and some might be disrespectful of the grounds, but when I tried to explain my intentions he threatened to have me removed from the premises if I took any more photos. I have never been treated with this kind of hostility while photographing any other cemetery and it makes me afraid to ever return to this beautiful resting place. If there were any rules posted forbidding photography, I would have respected that. There was no need to threaten me with a nonexistent law and treat me like a criminal.

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.

My mother in law has recently passed and we had to work with Valley of the Temples and they made the experience very easy and smooth. First, meeting with Sabrina was comforting. Her demeanor and voice was very pleasant and she was very informative on what we had and what we needed. She was very very patient and her meeting was very heartfelt. Next, we met with Bree to go over what the service would look like and she even let us come in a week earlier to see how we could set it up according to my mother in law's wishes. Our service was run by Virginia and Preston. They were both amazing on making sure our service was perfect, from seating, flowers and the music and video. Finally on the day of the burial, we worked with the grounds crew. Dennis, Bryson and Gabby A. were very respectful as they kept their distance from us to run the burial but was also close enough to answer any questions that they had. Overall, I am so pleased with Valley of the Temples in how they handled everything from beginning to end. I know my mother in law was very pleased as well.

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

I didn’t realize how tedious it can be to brainstorm a gravestone, especially when you want to perfect it. We had wonderful help from Charise Joneidi. She was thorough, gave us all the info we needed and helped us with any questions we had during the process. Charise was patient and understanding. She works hard and I know you won’t be disappointed to have her help you with funeral services. Thank you so much Charise!

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 💖

You know, for all of the great things that we had heard about Byodo-In Temple before coming here, it somehow escaped us that this place is actually located within a cemetery. A little morbid, in that regard, but even if we had known, I doubt it would've changed anything. Between the number of folks who recommended checking it out and all of the beautiful photos of the temple, I doubt our curiosity could've resisted the urge to make the drive out here! After passing through the front gate into the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, it's a short drive up the hill before the road winds down to the parking lot for the temple. As you approach it, though, keep an eye out to see how full it looks - it's not all that big, so if it looks busy, you may want to park along the edge of the road rather than getting stuck and having to make a U-turn out of it. Once you've parked, head over to the small security shack to pay for admission before heading in ($7 for adults, but they have discounted rates for kids, seniors, and Kamaaina). Almost immediately after you cross the small pedestrian bridge, you're greeted with a beautiful view. Even though it may only be a replica of the original Byodo-In Temple in Japan, this one is no less picturesque, especially with the buildings and grounds surrounding it and the mountains in the background. It sits behind a large pond that's full of koi (you can buy fish food from the gift shop), features a large bell that you can ring (helps cleanse your soul), and areas for meditation and prayer. Inside the temple, there's a small buddha statue and pots for visitors to light and place incense. Along with the aforementioned fish food (which, to be honest, seemed kind of expensive), the gift shop has a variety of trinkets, figurines, pictures, and a whole slew souvenirs to offer. Thankfully, some items weren't terribly priced, but it also helps to know that the money goes towards the Byodo-In Temple and the memorial park as a whole. Also, I've seen several of my fellow Yelpers mention the mosquitos around here, but we actually didn't see any (or we just got lucky). In any case, bring some bug spray just in case, as it would be a shame to let that stop you from checking out such a pretty and serene sight/site!

Limited space at the front of the ticket booth. Best to come early as sun does get warmer as the day goes on. Tickets were $7 for Adults. Quick and fast ticking service along with pay online service available. There is a Bon-Sho (Sacred Bell) for you to release your negative energy and impart deep peace and brings happiness, blessings and a long life. There are fish feed sold at the gift shop store for $6. If your interest in smashing pennies for souvenirs then you're in luck 4 styles for $.51 each or for those don't have pennies $1.50 each or $5 for 4

I came to this Buddhists temple to pay respect to my grandpa who recently passed. I was in town for a few days so I made the stop here with one other person. You do have to pay to get in but it was very much affordable and worth the cost. We went to ring their large bell then went over to light some incense. The temple is well maintained. It did rain before we came so the stairs up to the mini temple area was super wet. Also if you are feeding the birds they can get aggressive. You can also feed the coi fishes. Parking was very packed and everyone was escorted to park along the hill. We got lucky with parking. Overall, it was a great experience and I recommend going.

Even though this is just a replica of one located in Japan, it's beautiful and I enjoyed my visit. It's not very big, but there's a lot to see in a small space. The temple itself is lovely. As with a practicing temple, you remove your shoes before entering. There's a big bell to ring before entering the temple and there was a line of about 5 people when I arrived. It wouldn't take long to get to the front of the line except when there are people with young children who want to ring it several times or who want to take lots of pictures and videos while they're doing so. There are a couple of different koi ponds with some very hungry koi as well as lots of birds around begging for food. They sell bags of fish/bird food, but I'm not sure how much they were. Lots of people were feeding both the birds and the koi. The birds were lighting on people's hands and arms to get the food; good photo ops if you're into that! The Meditation Pavilion on the hill was nice, but too many people in it to make it of much use for meditation! Definitely a nice stop while in Oahu!

We loved the Japanese temples when we were in Japan and this seemed like a great visit for us. It was beautiful! We loved the calmness and tranquility, even when it was a little busy. You can walk the grounds and go in the temple. Shoes must be removed when inside. There's also a cute gift sho, and drink stand on site. The gift shop sells fish food and that is a must for the kids! They loved watching the koi go crazy.

Having just returned from Japan, we were amazed by the beautiful setting of this Buddhist temple in Kaneohe. The structure is quite authentic, and very well maintained but the best part is its tranquil setting at the base of the mountain range. The only negative was the clanging of the bell as people constantly tried to outdo each other in generating the loudest sounds. So grateful that friends brought us over to see it!

This was a highlight of our trip. They have a parking area that's decently sized, and you pay per person before entering. It's $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $4 for children 2-12. The temple is stunning and there are a bunch of spots to grab great photos. There are a ton of koi in the pond and they sell food for them in the gift shop. They also have so many gifts in the shop from small inexpensive trinkets to some more meaningful items. Make sure you take off your shoes before entering the temple. It's a serene and beautiful spot and we really enjoyed walking through, admiring the architecture and art. It's so peaceful. They also have a giant bell that you can ring and the sound reverberates through the area adding to the experience. It's another great photo/video opportunity, but also a bit meditative and grounding. They also had local artists and vendors there who were showcasing their work. We bought a sand painting as a keepsake from the trip and it's absolutely beautiful. You could definitely spend a couple hours here, and while it's good for all ages, adults will probably appreciate the serenity more.

My family and I visited Byodo-In Temple recently. What beautiful and peaceful site. The temple and the backdrop is just breathtaking. We really enjoyed seeing the temple and feeding the koi fish.

We spent part of our wedding anniversary here and it was breathtakingly beautiful and also so peaceful. There were little nooks and crannies away from the main building that created little moments of calmness. The drive in was beautiful and we were happy to be able to pay for our tickets on site since the website we found didn't have options to pay outside of typing in a credit card number (we were hoping for PayPal/Apple Pay/etc.).

Not a real temple, but it is a replica of the one in Uji, Japan. It's very beautiful but very very very small. You can walk it all in 30 minutes, or you can take your time. It's not very peaceful since there's so many tourists lol. Also, this is the most koi fish in one place I've ever seen! I like how the temple encourages visitors to try different activities such as ringing the bell, buying a fortune, etc. There are 2 food stalls, and I tried the shaved ice from Aunty Gigis which was sweet but the Volcano Tropical Punch flavor was great. You get a lot even if it's just kid size. Also, please take off your shoes inside! There are signs. There's a tiny parking lot right in front of the entrance. Also FYI it's in the back of a cemetery (very unexpected but ok).

We stopped by Byodo-In Temple this afternoon to experience this sacred place. It was quite a beautiful place to visit and I highly recommend taking the time to see it.

Such a beautiful Temple in Oahu, HI. The fee is $7 per person and you get to explore, take pictures of the temple as long as you desire! I especially loved seeing the koi fish and ringing the bell!

Interesting cultural historical site. It's worth a stop for up to an hour. $7 per adult. The garden is beautiful and photogenic. You can feed the koi fish if you want they look very hungry.

Byodo-In was on my MUST GO TO spots while visiting O'ahu. It was so beautiful & peaceful visiting this temple. This temple is aesthetically pleasing with the beautiful mountains in the back. My friends and I went into the temple and prayed -- PS they make you take off your shoes when you're inside the temple :-) When you drive in, you drive through a cemetery. Parking can be a bit difficult to find, but we found parking after waiting a few minutes. I will 1000% re-visit during my next trip

Loved this place very beautiful and zen. You pay at the entrance, the scenery is gorgeous with a koi fish pond, and the shaved ice was a nice treat.

I stopped by after dropping off some friends nearby and didn't realize it was located inside a cemetery. The lady at the front was very welcoming and went above and beyond with her kindness. Thank you. The temple was peaceful and lovely to visit, though I didn't stay long out of respect. Overall, a great experience.

Came here and bought tickets at the building which was $7 for adult and $6 for senior. The architecture was absolutely stunning although the interior was way smaller than I expected. It had a Buddha you can pray to and you must remove your shoes. On the side, is a bell you can ring which was so much fun to do and I've never got to do anything like that! The bell is NOT WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE. There are two steps and no wheelchair ramp which was disappointing as the whole point of ringing the bell is to find peace and remove negativity which some people do not have the opportunity to do because of the steps. In the back there is also a quaint meditation area which was so relaxing. There is also a designated smoking area in the very back. I saw people buy bird food and the birds immediately flocked to them which was so funny to see. I also saw a live turtle in the back which is so cool. We got here by uber and got picked up near the ticket counter

Wow! I'm not Buddhist, but I felt something. I don't know how to explain it, maybe it's simply peace. Honestly, I wish some actual monks lived there so I could connect and get some extra wisdom from them. I visited the temple using my city pass; it was a stop on one of the tours. The first thing you do is walk over the bridge, and you absolutely must stand in line to ring the sacred bell. Don't skip this! I then walked over to the meditation gazebo. I don't know guys maybe I'm being dramatic, but for the place I am in, I could sit out there for hours. Of course, I was on a tour so I didn't have that time. I made my way to the actual temple, took my shoes off, and went inside to see the most magnificent large, beautiful Buddha. The pictures don't do it justice. Very well done very beautiful very peaceful very relaxing. You don't have to subscribe to a religion to appreciate the beauty in it. Honestly, once you take pictures of this temple on the outside, it looks like a painting. Seriously something Thomas Kincaid worthy!

My expectations were exceeded. Lots of things to do on a small property, including bell ringing, feeding birds and koi, photography with the temple, and looking through handmade vendors' art. The gift shop on property had unique items like chopsticks, lucky charms, ceramic items, and glass figures, very much unlike other gift stores I'd seen in the area, and for a reasonable price. They had a vendor cart called Five Sistahs shave ice (IG@fivesistahs) and they were delicious as well. They had bathrooms. The temple itself was very nice. Of course, they request that you remove your shoes before you enter, but they have shelves where you can place your shoes and clear labeling. The temple is well-maintained and startlingly quiet inside, and all visitors were able to pay their respects uninterrupted before leaving. Parking was difficult, as all parking spaces are labeled as "compact," but there are roughly 100 spaces and once I saw a Toyota Sienna pull into a compact space, I knew they don't enforce the compact spaces. If you're in a rental van for the first time, you may have some difficulty, but don't let that sway you from the gorgeous natural views.

Byodo-In Temple is a small replica of the original Byodo-In in Uji, Japan. The Byodo-In was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Japanese immigrants to Hawaii (1968). Located in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, Byodo-In brings peace and tranquility to people the visit. This Temple is built to reflect on one's self and making this place as a sanctuary rather than using it for religious ceremonies. Be at peace while praying to a Buddha statue in the Temple, feeding koi fishes, or hitting the heavy bell to hear it echo throughout the plain. Donations are always welcomed. Parking is limited and there is a $7 entrance fee. !!NOTE: CREDIT CARDS ONLY NO CASH ACCEPTED!! Restroom and porta potty are available on the property. Treats, drinks, and snacks are also available on property.

The Byodo-In Temple is a non-denominational Buddhist temple located on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaii in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. It was dedicated in August 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii.

Went to visit to Byodo-In Temple with my husband on our visit to Honolulu and it was magical and peaceful experience. We loved feeding the birds (specially myself) ringing the temple bell, and taking in the serene and beautiful surroundings. We also took lots of beautiful photos and picked up some tiny decor souvenirs from Japan to remember the day, it was a meaningful and refreshing break from the city and would love to go back if given the opportunity. Went to visit to Byodo-In Temple with my husband on our visit to Honolulu and it was magical and peaceful experience. We loved feeding the birds (specially myself) ringing the temple bell, and taking in the serene and beautiful surroundings. We also took lots of beautiful photos and picked up some tiny decor souvenirs from Japan to remember the day, it was a meaningful and refreshing break from the city and would love to go back if given the opportunity.

When you first arrive, there's a Bon Sho (Sacred Bell). I rang the bell before entering the temple. The ringing of the bell is to purify the mind of evil spirits and temptation. Bring happiness, blessings, and long life. I was told the Byodo-In Temple is a replica of the one in Japan. Before you enter, you must take off your shoes. The temple is beautiful! When entering, I pictured it being bigger on the inside. There is a huge Buddha statue inside. In front of Buddha, there is a table where I lit an incense stick, prayed, and honored my loved ones who passed. I'm a Christian, and it was a great feeling of, "Let go and let God." Note: Make sure you pay attention to the time if you're on a tour. Give yourself enough time to explore the temple grounds, gift shop, grab food, beverages, and visit the beautiful koi fish pond. ,

If in the area, you need to stop here. Besides being beautiful, it will give you mind, spirit, and soul a needed refresh. It was part of a tour and they took care of the tickets. Well worth the stop and the drive up to it. I do suggest getting in line to ring the bell. Spend some time at the pond. Spend some time in the temple. Oh, and there is a gift shop. It was well worth the price. The friendly staff on site will guide you to all you want to see and do and provide a great service!

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!

Byodo-in temple is a scale replica of a temple in Uji Japan, was built in 1963 and being honor of 100th year anniversary of first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. With the shoulder season it still hard to find a parking because they have a limitation of space. Imagine coming during high season this place will be so packed with all visitors from all around the world. This temple is an iconic and peaceful place. It represents rich Japanese culture that has been blend in Hawaii. I'm glad I stopped by this temple for my road trip.

Very beautiful and aesthetic temple to visit while on Oahu. It was very cheap to get it and there is plenty to admire. At the front, we ordered two tickets and received them fine. The temple seemed to be in excellent shape and the grounds were kept up well. We requested directions, and people were happy to help us. We felt we got everything we had wanted out of this experience.

If you are looking for a tranquil place escaping from the busy city, check this temple out. Parking can be challenging when it's packed with a big crowd. Best time to visit is an hour before closing time due to less traffic. There is an admission fee of $7, but Uncle at box office let us in for free. We were so grateful he was kind and generous. Reason why we are obsessed with Hawaii. Loving caring people on the island making us feel like Ohana. As we crossed the bridge, the temple was so memorizing with a lake in front backdrop of the lush green mountains. Simply beautiful! Of course, best photo background to take plenty of pictures. Kids went straight to the bell and rang it for good luck! There's a gift shop on site and we were able to purchase a hand full of fish food. We enjoyed feeding the fishes in the lake. Overall, a fun experience for the whole family.

The best Japanese style temple in the U.S. At least that Im aware of. I had been to Oahu on multiple occasions prior to becoming aware of this temple. I'm so thankful to a friend who recommended we visit. The property is so peaceful (at least on a recent weekday when we visited), and very representative of Shinto and Buddhist shrines in Japan. Check it out. You wont be disappointed. One strategy to keep it peaceful is to let the tour busses full of people go ahead and do there thing and time your visit so its not right on top of theirs. Bang the bell. Watch the koi fish. Take your shoes off and be reverent. Its a spiritual thing.

From the pictures we were expecting a serene atmosphere and a longer experience. Sadly that's not what we experienced. Hundreds of people were there, mostly respectful. There was a very long line waiting to ring the bell. There is a beautiful coy pond and some benches. But I hardly felt relaxed with the amount of people roaming around. There were people selling items and a gift shop. It felt more commercialized than I was expecting. I won't go back but I'm glad I saw it. The rest of the grounds driving in seemed just as amazing and you don't have to pay.

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.

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!

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

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.

We've been coming to Oahu for several years and we just found out about Byodo Temple only now. We were staying in Aulani and it took us 50 minutes to get there. You'll enter a cemetery and the road will take you to the end where it's located. Parking is limited so depending on what day or hours, you'll end up parking at a distance. There's an entrance fee and there's also a senior rate. Once you walk inside, you feel like you're in Japan. You'll be amazed at the architecture of the temple. Before going inside the temple, you'll be greeted with a huge bell. Everyone lined up to try to bang the big bell. The bell has a meaning and banging the bell or 'sacred bell' was cast in Osaka, Japan with the assistance of the Japanese government. The brass bell is over 6 feet high with a bottom diameter of 57 inches and weighs over seven tons. It is housed in a bell house or kane-tsuki-do', and closely resembles the bell hanging at the Byodo-In in Japan. The original bell has been hanging in Japan for over nine centuries and was most likely crafted in India, it is one of the three most famous bells in Japan. Renown for its shape, sound, and calligraphy! The bell is separated into four sections depicting the Buddhist concept of heaven The main building is the Temple which houses a huge Buddha or a structure of their god. Surrounded by this compound is a stream of water with Koi fish. There are so many of them and you'll be amazed by their different sizes. If you haven't been to Japan, this place gives you a feeling and resembles the look of a temple in Japan.

This place was super busy when we arrived on a Sunday. People parking everywhere but luckily we found one right away. Ticket was $8 to get in but Oahu residents get in free. If you want a short tour of a beautiful temple and fees the koi fish and birds, this is the place for you.

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.

as a nature loving buddhist myself i can see why this temple is so popular. every time i visit it's basically always the same and scenic. but nothing too special just because it's pretty smol. but photos here are so cool. mahalo to the guy at the front *shakka*

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.

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.

Do NOT have your loved one's ashes inurned here. They are closed on the only holidays that we are able to visit. It is a tourist attraction first and foremost, with little regard to the families who are trying to visit loved ones. Just another tourist trap, not a legit columbarium.

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.

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.

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

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!

Be careful with this place! I got scammed where we paid admission! Came here with my 2 kids and they charge me for an additional admission when it was just the 3 of us. What's more shame is I'm local too! Figure they scam tourists but nope they scam their own people! Locals! Shame of you for ripping me off

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!