Lahaina Jodo Mission
The towering pagoda, giant Buddha statue, and well-manicured grounds of Lahaina Jodo Mission near downtown Lahaina reflect a world an ocean away. Get a window into Japanese culture as you wander grounds modeled after a Japanese Buddhist temple and constructed in honor of Japanese immigrants who once worked in nearby sugarcane fields.
The Basics
Don't miss Lahaina Jodo Mission, tucked away from Lahaina’s bustling waterfront. A visit rewards you with a unique combination of Hawaiian history and Japanese culture. You might visit the grounds on a Maui sightseeing tour or stop by between surf lessons and a luau while staying in Lahaina.
Things to Know Before You Go
The site is a highlight for Japanese culture enthusiasts as well as Hawaiian history buffs.
Dress and act respectfully when visiting this active religious site.
The Lahaina Jodo Mission is free to enter but is maintained by visitor donations.
The Temple Bell rings 11 times daily at 8pm.
How to Get There
The Lahaina Jodo Mission is located in the historic seaside town of Lahaina on Ala Moana Street just off of Front Street (the main road through town). The site is a 45-minute drive from Kahului Airport and about a half mile (800 meters) from downtown Lahaina.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
You can explore the temple grounds on your own at any time or attend one of the religious ceremonies held there. Visit on the third Sunday in January for the Gyoki-e service, the first Sunday in April for Buddha’s day, the first Saturday in July for the Obon service, or the third Sunday in September for the Higan-e service. For a chance to ring the temple bell, visit on New Year’s Eve.
Origins of the Lahaina Jodo Mission
The Lahaina Jodo Mission was established in 1912 to support the Japanese immigrants who worked in the sugar cane fields surrounding Lahaina, but the authentic Japanese structures were not built until more than 50 years later. The great Buddha and Temple Bell were completed in 1968 to honor the centennial of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. The main temple and pagoda were completed two years later.