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Lahaina Jodo MissionNot many visitors find these beautiful grounds near the Mala Wharf in Lahaina. When you first enter through the gates, to your left is the largest Buddha statue outside Japan, standing twelve feet tall and weighing over three tons.
Lahaina Jodo Mission Buddha
This area was populated by Japanese immigrants who first came to Hawaii in 1868 to work in the sugar cane fields.
On the one hundredth anniversary of their arrival in Hawaii, the giant Buddha statue was erected in 1968.
Lahaina Jodo Mission Pagoda
Keep walking and you come to a Pagoda, or Temple Tower, that is approximately 90 feet high at its tallest point.
The covering of the roof is made of pure copper. The first floor of the pagoda contains niches to hold the urns of deceased members. Because of it height, the Pagoda can be used to help you find the Jodo Mission grounds. Located just off Front Street close to Mala wharf and Baby Beach in north Lahaina, this is a short walk or drive from the Front Street shopping area.
Lahaina Jodo Mission Bell
The grounds also include Bell Tower with a 3000 pound temple bell that is rung 11 times each evening at 8PM.
Each of the eight rings has symbolic significance. On the ocean side the words Imin Hyakunen no Kane, cast in Chinese characters can be translated as The Centennial Memorial Bell for the First Japanese Immigrants to Hawaii. On the other side are the characters Namu Amida Butsu, which means Save me, oh, Amida Buddha.
Lahaina Jodo Mission Temple
Walk past the Pagoda to the Lahaina Jodo Mission Temple, which stands on the same spot as the former temple building.
This new structure was built in 1970 by traditional Japanese carpenters with the help of the Temple members and friends. Just like the Pagoda, this has solid copper handmade shingles covering the roof. This is a unique Buddhist temple with an architectural structure that blends Japanese and Western styles.
Lahaina Jodo Mission WebsiteFor more information, visit the jodo international website (opens a page on another website in a new browser window).Jodo Mission VideoMy Lahaina Jodo Mission video conveys the peacefulness of this site, as well as a good overview of the Buddha, Bell Tower, Pagoda and Temple.Click on the PLAY button in the image below to view the video.
Return to Lahaina from Lahaina Jodo Mission
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