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TEMPLES

View Japanese Buddhist Temples in Hawaii in a larger map or click on the temple names below to view more details

BUDDHIST TEMPLES IN HAWAII

BUDDHISM IN HAWAII

Japanese immigration to Hawaii that began in 1868 marked the beginnings of large-scale settlement and, with it, the establishment of a strong religious base of Buddhism.  Seven Buddhist sects which came to Hawaii in the late 1800s and early 1900s to fill the needs of the early Japanese: Jodo Shin-shu Honpa Hongwanji Sect, Jodo Sect, Shingon Sect, Nichiren Sect, Jodo Shin Sect, and the Higashi Hongwanji Sect.  Beginning with the first temple built in Hilo by Honpa Hongwanji Reverend Soryu Kagahi in 1889, temple establishment was a central community event of the Japanese laborers in Hawaii.  The temple took on significant meaning for the new settlers and exemplified their efforts to carve out their identity and gain acceptance in Hawaii’s multi-cultural society.  Over the past 120 years, the Japanese community established 174 temple sites and through the process of building and rebuilding, constructed nearly 300 Buddhist temples throughout the islands.  Over the various stages of settlement in Hawaii and the ever-changing social conditions of the Japanese society, five distinctive temple styles were born: the Plantation House Style, the Japanese Design Style, the Hawaii Eclectic Style, the Western Influence Design Style, and the Contemporary Style.  These Buddhist temples, as centers of worship, education, and community events, set the cultural, social, economic, and spiritual framework that shaped the heart and mind of the Japanese newcomer.  Buddhist temples were largely neglected since the architectural community, as well as the Japanese community, did not consider them significant architectural artifacts.  Many of the temple structures have lost their original form to additions, poorly executed repairs, or a lack of regular maintenance.  Exacerbating the problem is the fact that the temples are scattered amongst the landscape and often indistinguishable from surrounding buildings, and as a result, few people are even aware of their existence.

HIGASHI HONGWANJI MISSION
In 1901, the Higashi Hongwanji Mission established its first temple in Hawaii on the island of Kauai.  In 1916, a headquarters was created in Honolulu under Rev. Shinkyo Doi.  Higashi Hongwanji Mission is an affiliate of one of the oldest and largest sects in Japan, Shin Buddhism, or as it is officially known, Higashi (East) Jodo Shin Shu.  The Higashi Hongwanji Mission went on to establish temples in Waimea, Hilo, Honolulu, Kaneohe, McCully, and Palolo, most of which are still active with the exception of McCully.

HONGWANJI MISSION
The first Hongwanji Mission was established in 1889 under Rev. Soryu Kagahi.  Situated in Hilo, and sanctioned by Honpa Hongwanji, the temple became a source of pride and community identity as many Japanese laborers volunteered their time for construction.  The Hongwanji Mission follows Nishi (West) Jodo Shin Shu.  Rev. Yemyo Imamura was instrumental in establishing temples throughout the islands.  Rev. Imamura mediated talks during a 1904 strike at the Waipahu Plantation and is credited with reaching a quick resolution.  His successful intervention made other plantation owners eager to provide land and building assistance for new Hongwanji temples.  Hongwanji in Hawaii often integrated themselves in the community through Americanization, especially after World War II.  Congregations sat in Christian church-like pews and many traditional hymns were converted into English.  Temple architecture changed as well.  New structures incorporated Indian influence rather than typical Japanese temple characteristics.  Hongwanji not only serve as sites of worship but also provide educational opportunities, cultural festivities, and community events.  Honpa Hongwanji Mission has grown to become the largest sect of Buddhism in Hawaii.

NICHIREN BUDDHISM
Nichiren Buddhism can be traced back to 1899 and the arrival of Rev. Gyoun Takagi.  In 1902, he established the first Nichiren Shu temple in Kapapala, Kau District, Big Island.  At that time, Nichiren was the fourth Buddhist sect to propagate in Hawaii.  In 1912, Rev. Takagi traveled to Honolulu and established a temporary temple that would evolve into the Nichiren Mission of Hawaii when it moved to Nuuanu.  In 1929, Rev. Benko Sueto created a Japanese language school noting that only the Nichiren Mission did not integrate educational functions and its inclusion should help attract new members.  The Nichiren Mission would eventually establish branches in Puunene, Wahiawa, Hilo, and Honolulu.

SHINGON BUDDHISM
Shingon Buddhism in Hawaii can be traced back to 1885 at the start of Japanese immigration as they arrived to work on the plantations.  In the early 1900s, numerous daishidos were established by followers of Kobo Daishi.  With no hospitals or medical practitioners, the Japanese community often turned to the daishidos for healing and treatment.  The Honzan (main temple) in Japan realized the need for an ordained priest to facilitate the spread of Shingon Buddhism.  In 1902, Rev. Hogen Yujiri established the first official temple in Lahaina.  Soon thereafter, 11 more temples were formed.  By 1941, there were 51 temples spread across Hawaii.  In 1997, Shingon Shu Hawaii Betsuin separated from the Honzan to become an independent entity.  Thus, the School Street (Koyasan) temple became the new headquarters for the remaining 13 Shingon temples in operation.

SOTOSHU BUDDHISM
Sotoshu Buddhism came to Hawaii in 1903 with the arrival of Rev. Senei Kawahara and Rev. Ryoun Kan.  Rev. Kawahara began ministering to the Waipahu Plantation Camp and Rev. Kan established a temple in Wahiawa, Kauai.  In 1904, Rev. Ryuki Hirai ministered in Kawailoa, Oahu, and Rev. Sokyo Ueoka founded the Mantokuji temple in Paia, Maui.  These four locations served as the basis for Sotshu’s development in Hawaii.  A temporary Betsuin (headquarters) as established in 1913 by Rev. Hosen Isobe.  In 1921, during a visit to Hawaii, Archbishop Sekizen Arai officially recognized the Sotoshu Betsuin of Hawaii.  Four more temples were added during the Taisho period (1912 - 1926), and three more during the Showa period (1926 - 1989).  The addition of these temples made Hawaii the largest Sotoshu presence outside of Japan.