Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
538-7778; 215 N Kukui St; usually 8am-5pm)
Across the river from Chinatown,
this ShintÅ shrine was built by Japanese immigrants in 1906. Confiscated by the city dur-
ing WWII, the property wasn't returned to the community until the early 1960s. The
100lb sacks of rice near the altar symbolize health. Ringing the bell at the shrine entrance
is considered an act of purification for those who come to pray.
Thousands of good-luck amulets are sold here, especially on January 1, when the
temple heaves with celebrants who come to seek New Year's blessings.
Lum Sai Ho Tong
TEMPLE
(
536-6590; 1315 River St; closed to the public)
Founded in 1889, the Lum Sai Ho Tong
Society was one of more than 100 societies started by Chinese immigrants in Hawaii to
help preserve their cultural identity. The society's Taoist temple honors the goddess Tin
Hau, a child who rescued her father from drowning and was later deified. The devout
may claim to see her apparition when traveling by boat.
The upstairs temple is generally not open to the public, but you can admire its color-
fully painted exterior from the sidewalk below.
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Ala Moana & Around
Ala Moana, meaning 'Path to the Sea,' shares its name with a coastal boulevard connect-
ing downtown Honolulu and Waikiki, passing the city's biggest beach park and Hawaii's
largest shopping mall.