Daifukuji Soto Zen Mission, Buddhist temple in Honalo, Hawaii.
Daifukuji Soto Zen Mission is a Buddhist temple in Honalo featuring traditional Japanese design with a distinctive metal roof and an elevated wooden structure that rises above the ground on sturdy posts. The building along Mamalahoa Highway contains religious artworks in its main hall, including statues and representations of important Zen Buddhist figures.
The temple was established in 1914 when Reverend Kaiseki Kodama held services at Hanato Store before the current building was completed in 1921. It closed during World War II when its leader faced internment, but reopened in February 1946 after the war ended.
The temple reflects a blend of Japanese religious traditions and local Hawaiian community practices in how it is used and decorated. Visitors can observe how the space serves as a gathering place where meditation, prayer, and cultural celebrations happen throughout the year.
The temple welcomes visitors interested in Zen Buddhism and offers educational programs and community gatherings throughout the year at regular intervals. Visitors should check ahead as specific times can vary, and some areas may be reserved for private ceremonies or meditation sessions.
The temple served as a vital link in preserving Japanese spiritual traditions on Hawaii during a period of upheaval and forced separation of communities. Its reopening after the war represented the resilience of the local Japanese population in reclaiming their religious and cultural identity.
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