Cultural Experiences

9. Byodo-In Temple: Peace in the Valley

Nestled at the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park lies one of Oahu's most serene and beautiful sites: the Byodo-In Temple. Built in 1968 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii, this stunning replica of the 950-year-old Byodo-in Temple in Uji, Japan, offers visitors a peaceful escape into Japanese culture and Buddhist philosophy.

The temple sits beside a reflecting pond filled with hundreds of Japanese koi carp and is surrounded by carefully manicured gardens. The setting is breathtaking, with the dramatic fluted cliffs of the Ko'olau Mountains rising behind the red temple buildings. Black swans glide across the pond, and peacocks roam the grounds, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere of tranquility.

Inside the temple, you'll find a nine-foot lotus Buddha carved from Japanese oak and covered in gold lacquer. The statue weighs over one ton and is one of the largest wooden Buddha carvings outside of Japan. Visitors are welcome to ring the large bell outside the temple, which is said to bring good fortune and to purify the mind of negative thoughts.

The temple is non-denominational and welcomes visitors of all faiths. There are no religious services held here. Instead, it serves as a place of meditation and reflection. Many visitors come here to experience a sense of peace and to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the Ko'olau Mountains.

The Byodo-In Temple has been featured in numerous movies and television shows, including the original "Hawaii Five-O" and "Lost." But beyond its photogenic qualities, the temple represents the significant contributions of Japanese immigrants to Hawaiian culture and the beautiful blending of Eastern philosophy with Hawaiian spirituality.

10. Polynesian Cultural Center: Living Cultures of Polynesia

Located on Oahu's North Shore in La'ie, the Polynesian Cultural Center is the premier destination to experience the rich cultures of Polynesia. Spread across 42 acres, this living museum showcases authentic villages representing six Pacific island cultures: Hawaii, Fiji, Samoa, Tahiti, Tonga, and Aotearoa (New Zealand).

What sets the Polynesian Cultural Center apart is its commitment to authenticity. The center employs over 800 students from Brigham Young University-Hawaii, most of whom are native to the islands they represent. These cultural ambassadors share their traditions, stories, and skills through interactive demonstrations, performances, and hands-on activities.

In the Hawaiian Village, you can learn about traditional crafts like lauhala weaving and kapa making. Watch skilled practitioners demonstrate ancient fishing techniques and traditional cooking methods using an imu (underground oven). The Samoan Village offers the excitement of fire dancing and tree climbing demonstrations, while the Fijian Village showcases traditional bure (house) construction and the famous Fijian warrior march.

The Tahitian Village presents graceful dance performances with elaborate costumes and rapid hip movements that tell ancient stories. In the Tongan Village, you can witness traditional drumming on hollowed-out log drums and learn about the ancient navigation techniques that allowed Polynesian voyagers to traverse thousands of miles of open ocean.

The Aotearoa (New Zealand) Village introduces visitors to Maori culture, including the powerful haka war dance and traditional wood carving techniques. Throughout the day, you can ride canoes between villages, participate in cultural activities, and watch authentic performances.

The center's evening show, "Ha: Breath of Life," is a spectacular production that tells the story of a Polynesian boy's journey to manhood through music, dance, and breathtaking special effects. The show features over 100 performers and is consistently rated as one of Oahu's best evening entertainment options.