Valley of the Temples

The basics

Spanning 240 acres (91 hectares), the Valley of the Temples is a full-service facility and offers burial sites in different sections for different faiths, including Buddhists, Shinto, Catholics, and Protestants. Small temples, memorial gazebos, and chapels dot the landscape. At the back of the valley is the Byodo-In Temple. Some Oahu tours include a stop at the Valley of the Temples and Byodo-In Temple, though it’s also easy to visit separately.

Things to know before you go

• The Valley of the Temples is a cemetery and memorial park, so be respectful as you wander.

• There’s a credit or debit card-only fee to access the Byodo-In Temple.

• A gift shop on the grounds of the Byodo-In Temple offers handicrafts, artwork, clothing, souvenir items, and food for the koi. Outside food is not permitted.

How to get there

The Valley of the Temples is north of Kaneohe, off Highway 83. It’s around 12 miles (19 kilometers) from downtown Honolulu. You can also take bus No. 8 from Waikiki’s Kuhio Avenue to Ala Moana Center, then bus No. 65 to Kahekili Highway. The Valley of the Temples will be across the street.

When to get there

The Valley of the Temples cemetery is open from sunrise to sunset. The Byodo-In Temple is open daily from morning to afternoon, with the last entry 15 minutes before closing. The temple hosts special events with musicians and artisans from time to time.

Byodo-In Temple

Located at the back of the Valley of Temples, Byodo-In Temple is a replica of a temple of the same name in Japan. A non-practicing temple, it’s known for a large gold Buddha, a large brass bell cast in Osaka, and beautifully landscaped grounds complete with a reflection pond, hundreds of Japanese koi, wild peacocks, meditation niches, and small waterfalls. There’s also a small museum and gift shop next to the temple.