Oahu Circle Island Tour With Byodo-In Temple: What to Know Before You Book

Our full-day Oahu circle island tour doesn't stop at Byodo-In Temple. The temple is in the Valley of the Temples in Kaneohe, on the same windward side of the island as our Mokoliʻi stop, and it deserves more than a rushed photo. The easiest way to see both is to take the circle island tour one day and visit the temple on another, ideally on a relaxed morning. Groups of 10 or more can also ask about a private charter.

This guide covers what Byodo-In is, what it costs, how long it takes, and how to fit it around a day on the loop.

Is Byodo-In Temple worth visiting?

For most visitors, yes. After a trip full of lookouts, beaches and food stops, Byodo-In is a real change of pace. It adds history, Japanese-Hawaiian culture, striking architecture and a quiet place to sit, all set against the green cliffs of the Koʻolau Mountains. It also photographs differently from anything else on the island.

The visit is short, too, so you don't need to plan a whole day around it.

What is Byodo-In Temple?

Byodo-In is a scale replica of the Byōdō-in temple in Uji, Japan, built without nails. It was dedicated in 1968 to mark 100 years since the first Japanese immigrants arrived in Hawaii. The temple stands inside Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, at 47-200 Kahekili Highway in Kaneohe.

It isn't a practicing Buddhist monastery. It is, however, a place of prayer, meditation and memorial services, so the temple asks visitors to behave as they would at any place of worship.

What you'll find on the grounds:

• The bell. A five-foot, three-ton brass bell, rung by swinging a wooden log called a shu-moku.
• The Buddha. A Buddha covered in gold leaf, inside the main hall, where visitors may light incense.
• The gardens and pond. Bridges, landscaped paths and a pond full of koi.
• The wildlife. Peacocks and black swans on the lawns, and turtles beside the pond.

How long do you need at Byodo-In?

The temple recommends staying at least 30 minutes to an hour. That gives you time to walk the gardens, ring the bell, see the Buddha and sit by the pond. For a slow, quiet visit or plenty of photos, allow the full hour.

The visit is self-guided, with signs around the grounds, so you set the pace.

Why our tour doesn't stop at Byodo-In

Our loop is built around nine stops in about 9.5 hours:

That's 220 minutes of timed stops, plus lunch. A proper temple visit takes 30 minutes to an hour, so adding it would mean a longer day or less time somewhere else, most likely at Turtle Beach. We'd rather give you 75 minutes on the North Shore than rush you through both. Besides, a five-minute photo stop wouldn't do the temple justice.

Three ways to see Byodo-In and the rest of the island

1. The loop one day, and the temple another. This is our pick. Byodo-In suits a slow morning. From Waikiki, it's a rideshare or a TheBus ride over the mountains to Kaneohe; check current routes on thebus.org. If you drive, you'll pay for parking by the hour.

You can't do both on the same day with us. Our pickup runs from 6:50 to 7:15 a.m., before the temple opens, and a 9.5-hour day finishes after the temple's 4:15 p.m. last entry.

2. A private charter for 10 to 29 people. Private charters follow an itinerary agreed with your group. If Byodo-In matters to your group, ask us whether it can be added and how admission would work.

3. A tour that includes it. Some circle island tours do stop at Byodo-In. If you choose one, check three things:

• the itinerary names the temple as a planned stop
• whether admission is included
• how long you get there (anything under 30 minutes will feel rushed)

What you'll see on the windward side with us

Byodo-In isn't on our route, but the windward coast is. After the lookouts on the southeast coast, the tour stops at:

• A macadamia nut farm (20 minutes).
• Mokoliʻi Island (15 minutes). The small, cone-shaped island just off Kualoa, with the Koʻolau cliffs rising behind it. It's one of the most photographed views on Oahu.

From there, the tour heads up the coast to Kahuku for lunch at Tanaka's Kahuku Shrimp, then on to Turtle Beach, the North Shore fruit stands and the Dole Plantation.

Byodo-In etiquette

• Dress for a place of worship. No beach attire. If you're coming from the beach, bring a cover-up.
• Keep your voice low, and stay on the paths.
• Follow the posted instructions for ringing the bell and lighting incense.
• Don't bring fish food. The temple doesn't allow outside fish food, to prevent overfeeding the koi. Fish food is sold in the gift shop.
• Leave the wildlife alone. Don't touch, feed or chase the birds or turtles.
• Photos are fine, but photo shoots need a permit. Snapshots on your phone or camera are welcome. Planned individual or group shoots, such as graduation, family or professional sessions, need a permit from the temple.

What to bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water, sunscreen and a hat
• A light rain layer, because the windward side often gets passing showers
• A card for admission, since cash isn't accepted
• Modest clothing, or a cover-up for your beachwear

FAQ

Does your circle island tour stop at Byodo-In Temple?

No. Our full-day tour makes nine stops, and Byodo-In isn't one of them. The temple is on the windward side, the same side of the island as our Mokoliʻi stop, and it's easy to visit on another day.

How much does it cost to visit Byodo-In Temple?

Admission is $10 for ages 13 to 64, $8 for ages 65 and up, and $6 for ages 2 to 12, paid by card only. Check the temple's official visitor page before you go, because prices can change.

How long should you spend at Byodo-In Temple?

The temple recommends at least 30 minutes to an hour, which is enough time to walk the gardens, ring the bell and see the Buddha.

Is there a dress code at Byodo-In Temple?

Yes. The temple asks visitors to dress appropriately, with no beach attire, and to behave as they would at a place of worship.

Is Byodo-In a real Buddhist temple?

It's a scale replica of the Byōdō-in temple in Uji, Japan, dedicated in 1968. It isn't a practicing Buddhist monastery, but it is used for prayer, meditation and memorial services.

Can a private tour include Byodo-In Temple?

Our private charters for groups of 10 to 29 follow an itinerary agreed with the group. Ask us whether Byodo-In can be added when you plan your charter.

One island, two good days

Byodo-In is at its best when you have time to slow down. The circle island loop is at its best when you're not watching the clock. Give each one its own day, and you'll enjoy both.

More planning guides: Oahu Circle Island Tour With Waimea Falls and Oahu Circle Island Tour With Pearl Harbor