The Byodo-In temple is located in Kahalu'u on the windward side of the island, near Kane'ohe. Inside the temple is Amida, at over 18 feet the largest wooden Buddha carved in nearly a thousand years and after carving was covered with cloth, painted with gold lacquer, and finished with gold leaf. The temple also features a three ton brass Peace Bell, and a koi pond. The buddha is

Address:
47-200 Kahekili Highway

Hours:
8:30-4:30pm daily, Admission $2

Directions:
From Waikiki or Downtown Honolulu, enter H1 west, then enter the Likelike Hwy (63). After passing through the mountain tunnels, move to the right lane and take the Kahekili Hwy (83) exit. Continue straight, and turn left at the Valley of Temples Memorial Park, and continue to the back of the valley.

Notes: The temple was built entirely without nails, reflecting the architecture of the Fujiwara dynasty in Japan. The name Byodo-In roughly translates to Temple of Equality. The bell (bon-sho) was cast in Osaka of bronze and tin, and was based on the bell in the bellhouse of the original Byodoin Temple. The temple is a quiet religious temple, so respectfulness is encouraged, and you will be asked to remove your shoes before entering the temple.

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