ALOHA!
The Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe is a little bit of a distance from Waikiki, requiring you some time and patience to reach by bus.
But, if you won’t be renting a car and you want to explore this part of Hawaiian culture that represents the Japanese significance in Hawaii, then you can get to the Byodo-In Temple from Waikiki using public transportation!
Waikiki Travel Guide:
- 2 mile walk on Waikiki Beach
- Best snorkeling spot in Waikiki
- Best hike near Waikiki
- Bike rental in Waikiki
- Free hula show in Waikiki
- Getting around by bus from Waikiki
How much time does it take to get from Waikiki to Byodo-In Temple by bus?
The bus ride takes about 45-50 minutes.
But this will also depend on where in Waikiki you’re catching the bus, as well as your timing.
If you time it right, it could be possible for you to take just a single bus to reach the Byodo-In Temple.
Otherwise, you are likely looking at 1 bus transfer.
Once you get off the bus, you’ll see clearly where the Valley of the Temples is, and that’s the direction you want to head.
You’ll need to cross the street to get there.
And then from there, you’ll walk up the road about 10-15 minutes through the Valley of the Temples to reach the Byodo-In Temple.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll encounter on your walk once you get off the bus!
Just before you reach the Byodo-In Temple grounds, there is also a spot that you can climb up stairs to get a view overlooking the Valley of the Temples.
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!
If you'll be snorkeling on your next vacation, consider wearing these types of UV swim shirts. Also 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 Oahu that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Bus directions from Waikiki to Byodo-In Temple
To get a better idea of how long it will take for your trip from Waikiki, have a look here.
Google Maps makes it super simple to take the bus anywhere on Oahu!
Have a look here for tips for taking the bus.
The total time listed in the bus directions includes the walk from the bus stop to the temple. You can expand out the details to see how much time you’ll be sitting on the bus.
If you know where you’ll be staying in Waikiki, input that into the starting point to get an even better idea of your bus options.
When you’re looking at the bus directions, also check the start time to make sure it’s around the same time and day that you expect to go to Byodo-In Temple.
This will get a more accurate bus schedule.
In terms of the day, the most important for bus timings is weekday vs Saturday vs Sunday.
Things to do near Byodo-In Temple
If you’re making the journey out to Kaneohe and the Byodo-In Temple by bus, consider adding in a hike too! This can make the time spent on the bus from Waikiki even more worth it.
The Puu Maelieli Trail is just across the street from the Valley of the Temples.
You’ll probably want to give about an hour for the hike.
Another nearby place of interest is the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden.
But, just know that this will add a whole lot of waiting time (for the bus) and walking time.
It is a 15 minute bus ride between the Byodo-In Temple and the Hoomaluhia Garden.
This doesn’t sound so bad, right?
Well, the thing is that the bus is less frequent through Kaneohe compared to busier Honolulu and Waikiki, which means that you could end waiting a longer time for the bus, both at the Byodo-In Temple, and at the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden when you’re trying to get back to Waikiki.
It usually comes about every 30 minutes.
So just keep this in mind.
A trip to the Hoomaluhia Botanical Garden also adds a lot of walking since there’s not a bus stop immediately near the entrance.
Once you get off the bus stop, you’ll walk about 15-20 minutes through a residential neighborhood to get to the entrance of the park.
Then from there, there’s a lot more you can explore within the park, which means lots more walking.
So again, just keep this in mind if you choose to go to the Hoomaluhia Garden by bus!
HAPPY BYODO-IN TEMPLE PLANNING!
things to know about taking the bus on oahu
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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