Hawaii Shingon Mission

The Hawaii Shingon Mission is a Buddhist temple featuring Japanese architectural elements, with a steeply pitched roof, ornamental carvings, and a raised platform with railings on three sides. The structure underwent renovation in 1978 and received additions in 1992 while preserving its original roof design.

The temple was founded in the early 20th century and survived World War II when anti-Japanese sentiment led to attacks on many Buddhist sites throughout Hawaii. Its presence today reflects the community's resilience during a period of significant hostility.

The temple served as a gathering place for Japanese immigrants working in the sugar industry, where priests conducted services in their native language. Today, visitors can sense how this space held deep meaning for families who maintained their traditions far from home.

The temple is located on Sheridan Street in central Honolulu and can be reached without difficulty when planning a visit. As an active place of worship, it is worth contacting ahead to ensure arrival during appropriate times for visitors.

This structure ranks among only seven temples of this specific architectural style still standing in Hawaii today. This rarity makes it a valuable example of a particular building tradition that is otherwise difficult to find.