Ahuimanu Travel Guide

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The Byodo-in in Ahuimanu is a full sized replica of one built in the year 998 C.E. in Uji near Kyoto Japan. The Original was built first as part of a rural Villa then converted to a temple 50 years later. Hawaii’s temple was built in 1968 to commemorate Japanese heritage on the island.
In 1994 UNESCO listed the Kyoto Temple as a world heritage Site under the note, Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. The building is so respected and revered that it has even been chosen to face the 10 yen coin.
The two main differences between the buildings are the materials used, and the landscape. In the original building the construction was done entirely with timber members and no nails. The Hawaiian temple was built with concrete but replicates the intricate bracketing system from the original. The result is that the concrete was painted red to hide its materiality; however, the paint has made the building more dramatic.
Many pictures of the Byodo-in temples are of the one in Hawaii since it is more accessible and happens to have a more dramatic backdrop. The rugged Ko’olau mountain range as a backdrop is more appealing than the non-mountainous backdrop in Kyoto.

Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm daily

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This rock garden is not meant to walk in. It is meant to be viewed and respected so don’t try and walk there. The rocks are meant to symbolize the sea and are raked to suggest rippling water. The statues, rocks, or plants in the garden are meant as focal points and can symbolize islands in the sea or simply ideas to contemplate.
The main goal of a Japanese Rock Garden is to provide a view for personal reflection. In the Byodo-in I believe it is for it is used to strengthen the tranquility of the site which also includes some traditional landscaping and also a meditation house.

Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm daily

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Upon crossing the bridge from the parking area you will see a Bell House (or Kanetsu-ki-do) to the left of the temple. The bell (bon-sho) is about 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and weighs over 3 tons (2,700 kg). It was cast in Osaka Japan with the permission of the Japanese government to closely resemble the bell in the identical location of the Japanese Temple.
Before entering the temple, it is customary to leave an offering and ring the bell. A soft log called (shu-moku) is used to ring the bell, which produces a low 'gong' sound. The plaque by the bell reads:
“An offering and ringing of this sacred bell brings happiness, the blessings of Buddha and a long life to the ringer of the bell it is customarily rung before one enters the temple to spread the eternal teachings of Buddha”
The bell is also meant to send a message of deep calm and peace, cleansing the mind of evil and temptation.

Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm daily

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The Lotus Buddha housed in the Byodo-in both in Hawaii and in Kyoto are made from wood. In the Japanese version, carved by the sculptor Jōchō, a new technique was used to carve the Buddha.
It was made out of multiple pieces of wood which were carved out like shells then joined together on the inside and covered with lacquer and gold leaf. These Buddha are between 9 and 18 feet (3-6 m) tall (depending on the source).
The Hawaiian version is built in a similar way by a modern Japanese Sculptor. It is said to be the largest wooden Buddha carved since ancient times.

Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm daily