Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Lahaina Jodo Mission
Lahaina Jodo Mission
On the northern end of Lahaina by Baby Beach and Mala Wharf, you'll find
Lahaina Jodo
Mission
(12 Ala Moana St., 808/661-4304,
www.lahainajodomission.org
) by turning off
Front Street where a sign over a building reads “Jesus Coming Soon.” Turn left toward the
beach and you'll immediately spot the three-tiered wooden pagoda down at the end of the
road. The temple bell welcomes you at the entrance gate, and a giant bronze Buddha sits
exposed to the elements on a raised stone platform nearby. The largest Buddha found out-
side of Asia, this seated Amita Buddha image was dedicated in 1968 in commemoration
of the centennial of the arrival of Japanese workers in Hawai'i. You may stroll around, and
while the buildings are closed to the public, you can climb the steps of the main building
to peek into the temple. It's a perfect spot for solitary meditation if you've had enough of
frenetic Lahaina. Buddha's birthday is celebrated here every April.
