A solitary sacred field, an imposing Buddha, towering cathedrals……..
As the most isolated population in the world, the people of Hawaii have always looked to religion to explain the powerful natural forces around them, conversely, many of the world’s religions are inspired by the natural beauty of Hawaii. Oahu’s inspirational religious sites are a personal passage around the world and Hawaii’s history.
Depending on the time you wish to spend at each location, these sites can be visited in a single day.
Kukaniloko Birth Stones
As you exit Honolulu’s corridor into central Oahu, you’ll find a slow peaceful island life that harkens back thousands of years. Open fields of pineapple and mango perfume the air as cattle graze through wide-open fields. The echo of Hawaiian chiefs who ruled this land for so many centuries can still be heard in the whisper of the breeze.
Past little Wahiawa, which bustles with everyday life, lies a quiet field that is one of Hawaii’s most sacred sites for native Hawaiians. At the Kukaniloko Birth Stones, beginning around the1300’s, the highest priests and priestess’ of the island were born. The site was so sacred that those born here were assured high ranking status throughout their entire lives. 
Welcomed to the site by gentle flowers, down a path of red soil, the giant volcanic rocks guide the visitor to the actual birthing stones which sit majestically in a huge open space. One can imagine the surrounding eucalyptus trees and palm fronds clapping with joy in the gentle breeze at the arrival of the new born. One can imagine how the inherent heat of the black, smooth stones soothed the aching bodies of birthing mothers. The stones on either side (left and right) facing north are where 36 chiefs sat to witness the birth. In the center, there is a backrest, a kuap’u, which was the rock to lean against for the birthing mother.
It is obvious that the native Hawaiians lovingly care for and honor this site with their offerings, but guests are asked to respect the site by not leaving items or climbing on the stones. 
The mystery of this sacred site is enhanced by the fact the Hawaiian language existed for thousands of years without written form. Folklore was passed down through oration exclusively, but as the breeze moves across the site, the whispers and ceremonial chants of the executors of this land and culture can still be heard by those listening. One such story portrays the power struggle between the “new and old” Hawaii. Pineapple workers were asked to clear the space and remove the stones to make room for more pineapple. The many workers toiled to remove the sacred stones from their places and clear the land for the pineapple farmers. The workers did as they were asked and completed the task. On the next day, upon their return, they found that the stones were back in place, as if they had never been moved.
Directions: Take H1 (west) to H2
H2 to exit 8 (Wahiawa)
Continue through Wahiawa on Kamehameha Highway until reaching Whitmore.
Turn Left on Whitmore into the pineapple fields; the stones themselves are a few yards up.
Kuan Yin Temple
On a busy street, in downtown Honolulu, sits a sanctuary for the soul. Passing through the red archway means leaving behind the bustle of the city, the Kuan Yin Temple is the oldest known Buddhist temple in the islands. Through giant gates and into the grounds, the warm gentle breeze carries the sweet incense offerings of its visitors. The grounds are humble, dedicated exclusively to the spectacular temple and the prayers alter outside.
Kuan Yin is home to many of Honolulu’s practicing Buddhists and prayer is pervasive throughout the grounds. Respectful visitors are welcomed into the temple to view Kuan Yin Boddhisattva, who, after achieving enlightenment returned to earth to ease the suffering of sentient beings. She is rumored to be particularly empathetic to women, perhaps because she herself was previously a man, before her transformation into her current existence.
Within the temple’s red and gold interior, it is said she hears inclusively the prayers of all visitors, regardless of faith. The eye and awe is immediately drawn to the Kuan Yin, enwrapped in gold, seated on a lotus flower, her height and outstretched hands are both daunting and welcoming. On each side are two of her assistants, each with their own responsibilities. Placed before Kuan Yin are offerings of fruit and flowers that represent the prayers of her followers. Sometimes you will see a giant bag of rice a symbol of good fortune. 
Address: 170 N. Vineyard, Downtown, Honolulu, HI
Phone: 808/533-6371
Cost: Free
Byodo-In Temple
Built to honor the original Japanese immigrants to Hawaii, the Byodo-In Temple is an exact replica of a temple at Uji, Japan constructed over 900 years ago. Like the original temple, this was built entirely without nails and honors the mythical Phoenix, which rises from the ashes to reflect hope and renewal. 
Crossing the bridge to the temple, the temple is itself a breathtaking vision: built in the shadow of the Koolau Mountains, which rise swiftly to the clouds, the Byodo-In Temple’s upswept roof draw the eye up and across the impressive building, so intimately nestled against the mountains. The surroundings are both tranquil and wild, as peacocks and black swans move freely throughout the grounds, stopping to sip from the ponds which are home to over 10,000 koi. There is a dissonance between the massive temple and the gentle coo of doves that summon visitors to explore the placid grounds. The hush envelopes visitors, broken only by the gentle tone of a 3-ton brass bell which reverberates its baritone into every nook of the building. The deep resonance of ringing the bell is said to bring good luck, and the rush of sound moving throughout the courtyard brings hope and peace. 
Within a tiny, dark temple resides the largest Buddha, Amida, carved since ancient times. Amida sits with quiet confidence on a giant lotus flower and her presence looms even larger in the intimate temple interior. The only sound is the gentle winds blowing through the temple’s mighty doors. The refreshing and cool floor beckons the visitor to stop and convene with Amida and place an offering of incense in homage of equality for which the temple was named. 
Visitors are welcomed; if the temple looks familiar to you, perhaps you saw it during the first season of Lost where it served as the home of the Korean woman Sun's powerful father.
Address: 47-200 Kahekili Hwy., Kaneohe, HI
Phone: 808/239-8811
Admission: $3
Open: Daily 8:30-4:30
Kawaiahao Church
Missionaries brought Christianity to the islands in the 1820’s and the Kawaiaho Church is representative of their influence on Hawaii. Often called the Westminster Abby of the Hawaii, the church has been the center of Christianity for many of Hawaii’s eminent families as well as Hawaiian Royalty.
The building is made entirely of 14,000 coral blocks quarried from reefs offshore. Although the church itself is not massive by the standards of many churches, the painstaking effort it took to erect the church is a testament to the passion its builders felt about its importance to the community. Indeed, the church is a building that would never be built today, both because of its effect on the surrounding reefs as well as the cost of removing reef blocks from depths of more than 20 feet. The church’s interior is made of wood from the Koolau Mountains; the same mountain range which towers over the Byodo-in Temple.
At the entrance of the church stands the mausoleum for King William Charles Lunalilo; Hawaii’s first elected monarch. His final wish was to be close to the people who elected him; he wished to be interned at the Kawaiaho church rather than the royal tomb on the ‘Iolani Palace grounds (across the street). The grounds of the mausoleum are quiet and shaded beneath the canopy of a generous eucalyptus tree. Behind the church is a small cemetery which serves as a resting place for many of Hawaii’s most influential families, including the Castle, Cook and Bishop Families. All of whom played significant roles in creating modern Honolulu.
Services in English and Hawaiian are held each Sunday, and the church members are especially welcomed, greeting newcomers with lei; their affiliation is United Church of Christ. There are no guided tours, but exploring the grounds is welcomed.
957 Punchbowl St
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 522-1333
Cost: Free
Open:
English service Sun. at 8 AM and Wed. at 6 PM
Hawaiian service Sun. at 10:30 AM
Laie Hawaii (Mormon) Temple
The Laie Temple stands imposingly proud and is visible from the road. Nearby Brigham Young University and the Polynesian Cultural Center are both significant activities of the Mormon Church in Hawaii. The Laie Temple was the first Mormon temple built in Polynesia and at just 10,500 square feet, is still the smallest temple ever constructed by the Mormon Church. Built entirely of native crushed lava rock and coral, and dressed by pneumatic stone cutting tools which produced a white cream finish. According to the Church of Latter Day Saints website, “construction of the Laie Hawaii Temple came to a standstill when the supply of lumber ran out. Prayers were offered and two days later a freighter was discovered stranded on a nearby coral reef. The captain offered his entire cargo to the Saints if they would unload it for him. His cargo, lumber, was enough to complete the temple. The temple was completed and dedicated in 1915 by Joseph F. Smith. 
While the Temple itself is undergoing renovations (through 2010), the beautiful grounds remain welcoming to all. The surroundings are a tribute to Hawaii’s beauty with many local flora and fauna throughout. Visitors are guided through the grounds by serene reflection pools and a “maternity fountain” which honors Hawaiian motherhood with a statue of a Hawaiian mother holding a large clamshell pouring water over her children. The visitor’s center remains open and invites those of all spiritual beliefs to learn about the role of the Mormon Church in Hawaii.
If only for the beautifully manicured 14+ acres the temple resides on and the historical influence on Hawaiian culture, this is a fascinating stop in Oahu’s religious sites.
Address:
55-600 Naniloa Loop
Laie, Oahu, Hawaii 96762
Phone: 808-293-9297
Open: Visitors' Center open daily 9:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Cost: Free
Article by Tara D. Coomans
Photos by Tara Coomans
