If you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle surrounding Waikiki for a day, you can make the area of Kaneohe one of your considerations. In addition to the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden and the Puu Maelieli hiking trail, have a look to the Byodo-In Temple!
How much time do you need at Byodo-In Temple?
The grounds of the Byodo-In Temple isn’t too large, so this could be a trip of less than an hour. It makes for a nice peaceful nature walk, and you can feed the carp in the pond with fish food that can be bought in the nearby gift shop.
This temple is located in the Valley of the Temples with the backdrop of the Koolau Mountain Range that you see passing through Kaneohe which makes for beautiful scenery driving to the temple location. Once you turn onto the road of the Valley of the Temples, Byodo-In is located towards the back.
There is a nominal admission fee for entrance. At last check, it was $5. See the updated Byodo-In Temple hours and prices here.
Best short hikes with scenic views on Oahu
- Diamond Head Hike
- Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
- Manoa Falls Trail
- Koko Head Hike
- Lanikai Pillbox Hike
- Puu Maelieli Trail << This hike is near Byodo-In Temple, just across the street
- North Shore Pillbox Hike
what to pack for hiking in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – best shoes for hiking
near byodo-in temple >> things to do on east side of oahu
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
The Byodo-In Temple is a Hawaii State Landmark
What makes the Byodo-In Temple significant to the State of Hawaii?
As described by the good people of the temple 😉
This magnificent temple is a replica of the Byodo-In temple that was built in Uji, Japan, over 950 years ago. The temple and garden surrounding the temple was formally dedicated in 1968 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The Byodo-In Temple near Kyoto, Japan, was chosen for reproduction in consultation with Hawaii religious representatives because of its beauty and cultural significance. The temple in Uji has been designated a National Treasure by the government of Japan, making this replica a fitting tribute to the Japanese people of Hawaii.
Learn more about the temple.
And here’s how to get to the Byodo-In Temple by bus.
HAPPY BYODO-IN TEMPLE PLANNING!
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
more things to do on oahu | map >> more things to do on east side of oahu
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling
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