A First Timers Guide to Oahu's Japanese Byodo-In Temple

Ready to take a mini vacation to Japan without leaving Hawaii? Just a short drive from Honolulu, Oahu you’ll find a stunning replica of a Buddhist temple from Kyoto, Japan.

Oahu’s Byodo-In Temple is just as charming and peaceful as the original, and is almost more picturesque, nestled beneath the vibrant green Ko’olau mountains. The temple is a short drive from my favorite Oahu town, Kailua, and fits perfectly into my Oahu itinerary!

In this article I’m covering everything you need to know before visiting Byodo-In Temple—including practical tips on how to be culturally respectful.

✨ Save for later: My First Timers Guide to O’ahu: Where to Stay & What to Do

A red Japanese style Buddhist temple surrounded by green foliage.

☀️🌺🌿 Article Outline (Jump Ahead)

Visiting Byodo-In Temple in Oahu, Hawaii

So, why is there a Japanese-style temple in Hawaii, you ask? Well, Byodo In Temple was created to celebrate Hawaii’s many Japanese immigrants, who make up about 14% of the state’s population.

If you spend any time in Hawaii, you’ll quickly notice the influence of Japanese culture and food, especially on Oahu (be sure to indulge in some ramen and mochi when you’re here!)

Back to Oahu’s Byodo-In, it is not a non-practicing temple, and Byodo-In’s official website mentions that people of all faiths and backgrounds are welcome to enjoy the beautiful temple grounds.

Even though it is just a replica of the original temple in Japan, Byodo In Temple in Oahu was named one of the top 20 most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world by National Geographic.

📍 Address: 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe, HI 96744
⏰ Opening hours: 8:30-4:30pm (can change, check official website to be sure!)
💰 Entrance fee: $10 per adult, $8 per senior, $6 per child (under 12), $6 parking per car
👗 Dress code: No bathing suits, dress respectfully!

What to do at Byodo In Temple

Byodo In Temple is so much more than a place to snag a photo and leave. Even though the temple grounds are a bit small, the tranquil atmosphere begs you to slow down as you explore.

One popular thing to do at Byodo In Temple is to ring the large bell left of the main bridge and temple.

After ringing the bell, keep walking toward the temple, but instead of going inside, walk beside the beautiful koi ponds up toward the pavilion. Very few visitors make it up to this somewhat hidden area, making it a great place to journal, read, or just sit.

Next, you can enter the temple itself. You’ll be asked to remove your shoes before entering. The temple is adorned with a large golden Buddha statue and not much else.

On the right side of the temple you’ll find the gift shop where you can buy souvenirs as well as fish food. Many families with kids love to feed the koi, but keep in mind that you’re only allowed to feed the fish with the fish food bought from the store.

Next to the gift shop is a small food vendor if you’re hungry or craving a cold ice cream.

You can explore the backside of the temple and then wrap around to the front of the temple to take plenty of photos. Another great photo spot is the main bridge.

Unlike its sister temple in Japan, Oahu’s Byodo In Temple is not an active Buddhist temple. That said, I still strongly recommend that you dress modestly.

Woman wearing long dress standing in front of the Byodo In Temple in Hawaii with the Ko'olau mountains in the back.

What to Wear at Byodo In Temple

When I first visited Byodo In, I was expecting that everyone would be dressed conservatively. I imagined that it would be like visiting a church in Europe, where anyone with exposed shoulders or short shorts would have to cover up.

Although there was a sign at the entrance stating that bathing suits were not allowed, I did see one or two women walking through the temple grounds with a bikini and shorts. There were plenty of spaghetti straps and short shorts as well.

With that in mind, the temple dress code seems a bit lenient. However, to be respectful and courteous, I highly recommend that visitors dress somewhat modestly and in particular, change out of any wet bathing suits.

For women, I recommend wearing a long, breathable dress (or jumpsuit). This is what I wore, and I was completely comfortable, even in the strong sun. Plus, a beautiful flowwy dress works great for photos!

🌺 Related: What to Wear in Hawaii (Aloha Inspired Outfit Ideas)

Woman standing on a bridge looking toward Byodo In Temple in Kaneohe, Oahu

Koi fish swimming in a pond at Byodo In Temple in Oahu, Hawaii.

Final Thoughts: Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe, Oahu

What a privilege it is to be able to visit such a beautiful Japanese temple in Hawaii! If you’re like me, just a few minutes at this place will get you to start thinking about flights to Japan. Yet despite my bad habit of dreaming about future trips while on vacation, the serene nature of Byodo In had a way of drawing me in and making me feel present.

I hope you’re also able to experience the peace and tranquility that Byodo In has to offer on your next trip to Oahu. As you continue planning your trip, be sure to check out my other Oahu travel guides.