The Byodo-in Temple located near Kaneohe, Hawaii is a place of beauty. Its built is similar to that of the temple in Uji, Japan built over 900 years ago. It is an architectural beauty clad with graceful gardens and the Koolau Ridge creates a mesmerizing effect on all those who set their eyes on it.
The Byodo in temple is located at the foot of the 2,000 foot Ko'olau Mountains in the Valley of the Temples in Oahu's Kaneohe Region. The temple is a popular tourist spot. It has gained more popularity after the Emmy award winning show, Lost was filmed here. While you may wonder if such exotic locations exist after visiting this temple you begin to believe."
The significance of “The Byodo-In Temple” is that, it was built in the 1960's to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants in Hawaii who came to work in the sugar plantations. When you visit the island of Oahu, you can experience a touch of Japan in Hawaii. Kahaluu is the actual home of the Valley of the Temple's Byodo-in-Temple. If you just want to take a break by relaxing amidst some beautiful scenery, this is the place to be.
Park your car and walk over to the attractive bridge that lures over it. Below the bridge is a river of ferns. Once you cross over the bridge there are beautiful and picturesque sights awaiting you. On the left is a large bell that can be heard throughout Kahaluu when rung by visitors. It is a common belief out here that the ringing of this sacred bell will bring you happiness, blessings, and a long life.
As you are walking from the bell towards the right, there is a path covered with rocks. This path will lead you to the koi pond. The temple houses a statue of Buddha. The Buddha is made of wood and covered with black lacquer. It also has a dot in the middle of its forehead which is considered as the third eye. The third eye is "the insight to the spiritual world".
