Valley of the Temples
April 6, 2007
Part of the gardens
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Part of the gardens
Byodo-In Temple
Lottus Buddha
Byodo-In Temple
Turtle in the gardens
Bell
Swan in the gardens
Coy Pond
Valley of the Temples is located just outside of Koneohe, Hawaii and offers a great break from the city life of Waikiki. Tucked back into the mountains, you will feel at ease as soon as you cross the bridge and get your first peek at the Byodo-In Temple. The Temple was erected as a monument to the first Japanese immigrants that settled here in Hawaii.
A koi pond surrounds the temple. Streams and smaller waterfalls break the silence of the outdoors. In front of the temple is a rock garden, carefully raked. Peacocks and swans wonder the grounds while koi and turtles swim in the pond. Feeding the fish was quite remarkable. They are like piranha that haven't eaten in a while. It was so funny to watch them follow people along the edge of the pond with the hopes they were going to be fed. To the left of the Temple is a Peace Bell. Tradition says to ring before entering the temple.
Located in the Temple is a replica of the Lotus Buddha that is remarkable. Remember to be respectful and remove your shoes before entering the Temple. The carved wooden Buddha sits 9 feet tall and takes your breath as you enter the room.
The grounds are so peaceful. With the backdrop of the Ko'olau Mountains, this place is magnificent. It is a great way to spend the morning and then visit Kailua Beach afterwards. It is very cheap at only $2.00 per person (for the upkeep of the Temple) and a must see for a little taste of traditional Japan in Hawaii.
A koi pond surrounds the temple. Streams and smaller waterfalls break the silence of the outdoors. In front of the temple is a rock garden, carefully raked. Peacocks and swans wonder the grounds while koi and turtles swim in the pond. Feeding the fish was quite remarkable. They are like piranha that haven't eaten in a while. It was so funny to watch them follow people along the edge of the pond with the hopes they were going to be fed. To the left of the Temple is a Peace Bell. Tradition says to ring before entering the temple.
Located in the Temple is a replica of the Lotus Buddha that is remarkable. Remember to be respectful and remove your shoes before entering the Temple. The carved wooden Buddha sits 9 feet tall and takes your breath as you enter the room.
The grounds are so peaceful. With the backdrop of the Ko'olau Mountains, this place is magnificent. It is a great way to spend the morning and then visit Kailua Beach afterwards. It is very cheap at only $2.00 per person (for the upkeep of the Temple) and a must see for a little taste of traditional Japan in Hawaii.
Byodo-In Temple
Lotus Buddha
