Inspired by the two articles "Hawai'i temples, often unnoticed, slowly decay" by Rod Ohira and "Temples in the 'aina" by Catherine E. Toth, I decided to contribute in my own way - through 360° imagery - to help preserve the endangered Buddhist Temples of Hawaii.
As Rod wrote: "Hundreds of people pass by it each day, but few ever notice the small church building at 1710 Liliha St., one of only 10 remaining grand Buddhist temples in Hawai'i featuring traditional Japanese style of architecture."
LILIHA SHINGON MISSION
Liliha Shingonji Mission was built in 1911 and is among 41 temples built in Hawai'i in the traditional design that featured unique ornamentation and the ridge roof of temples in Japan. It is located on the 'Ewa side of Liliha Street next to the Liliha Medical Building.
HONOLULU MYOHOJI MISSION
JODO MISSION OF HAWAII
In addition to Liliha Shingonji Mission, the other existing temples featuring traditional designs are: Hamakua Jodo (1896), Kapapala Nichiren (1902), Hawi Jodo (1905), Kona Daifukuji Soto Zen (1914) on the Big Island; Koloa Jodo (1909) on Kaua'i; Pa'ia Mantokuji Soto (1907) and Lahaina Jodo (1912) on Maui; and Hawai'i Shingon Headquarters (1917) and Honolulu Myohoji (1931) on O'ahu.
HONGPA HONGWANJI HAWAII BETSUIN
NICHIREN MISSION OF HAWAII
From traditional Japanese design, the architecture evolved into three other styles: Hawai'i eclectic, East-West and contemporary.
KOBOJI SHINGON MISSION
There are 22 Buddhist churches with "Hawai'i eclectic" designs, among them Waialua and Pearl City Hongwanji; 24 with East-West influence, such as the Indian-Western look of Hawai'i Jodo headquarters near the H-1 Freeway's Punahou Street off-ramp; and 42 with a contemporary design such as Honpa Hongwaji on Pali Highway.
SHINGON SHU HAWAII
Because of a shrinkage in congregations and neglect, many temples have fallen into disrepair. Some have been closed, while some that have been rebuilt have lost their traditional architectural character.
KAGYU THEGCHEN LING
For full list of Buddhist Temple on Oahu please visit VTHawaii.com.
