Hiroshima to Honolulu Friendship Torii, Japanese torii gate in Moiliili Triangle Park, Honolulu, United States.

The Hiroshima to Honolulu Friendship Torii is a red Shinto gate designed as a smaller version of the famous Itsukushima Shrine gate. The structure uses stainless steel and titanium to blend traditional Japanese architecture with modern materials that can withstand the tropical climate.

The torii was presented by Hiroshima Prefecture, the City of Hiroshima and the Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the 100th anniversary of the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce, and erected in October 2001. Honolulu paid $165,000 to install the gift, which drew controversy because public funds went to a Shinto monument; both cities called it cultural rather than religious.

Two plaques on opposite sides of the gate record its purpose: one names the donors — Hiroshima Prefecture, the City of Hiroshima and the Hiroshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry — and the occasion, the 100th anniversary of the Honolulu Chamber of Commerce. The other lists those who erected it. The gift was presented as cultural rather than religious, a point both cities stressed during the funding dispute.

The gate stands at the corner of South King Street and University Avenue in the Moiliili neighborhood and is easy to reach on foot. You can visit anytime since it sits in a public park and is visible from the street.

The gate is a half-size replica made of stainless steel and titanium, built in Hiroshima and shipped to Honolulu. It was erected in October 2001, though the Japanese Wikipedia gives 2002 as the year of presentation. Honolulu spent $165,000 to install the gift, which drew criticism because public funds went to a Shinto monument.