The Lahaina Jodo Mission is on the outskirts of the residential region of Lahaina at Pu'unoa Point. When you enter the grounds you will find yourself in Japan. A wide grassy lawn is at the center of many traditional Japanese structures including the great buddha statue, a pagoda, a bell tower, and a temple.
From the brochure: The Great Buddha is 12 foot tall copper and bronze statue of the Amida Buddha, the Buddha of infinite life and light. It was cast in Kyoto Japan and weighs three and a half tons. It was completed in June 1968 as a commemorative project of the first Japanese immigrants to arrive to Hawaii.
The pagoda is 90 feet tall with solid copper shingles that cover the rooftop. It is a shrine that houses the ashes of members of the mission.
The temple is open during scheduled events but it was closed when I visited.
The bell tower has a 3,000 pound bell made of bronze. The bell is rung eleven times each evening at 8:00 PM.
The first three rings signify the following:
I go to the Buddha for guidance;
I go to the Dharma for guidance;
I go to the Sangha for guidance.
The next eight rings represent the Eight-Fold Pathway to Righteousness:
Right Understanding
Right Purpose
Right Speech
Right Conduct
Right Livelihood
Right Endeavor
Right Thought
Right Meditation
On New Year's Eve the 108 Bell Ringing rite (Joya no kane) is observed to dispel our bonno, or evil passions.
Lahaina Jodo Mission is located at 12 Ala Moana Street, Lahaina, Maui, HI 96761. The mission has dedicated parking and is located next to Baby Beach so you may want to plan a beach visit after visiting the Jodo Mission. Bring some cash to make a donation at the entrance and an offering in front of the Buddha.
Highlights in the mission’s yearly calendar include Gyoki-e service on the 3rd Sunday in January, Buddha's day on the 1st Sunday in April, O-bon service on the 1st Saturday in July, Higan-e service for the Autumn Equinox on the 3rd Sunday in September and Joya-e service to ring the temple bell on the last day of the year.
