Lawai International Center — Local services in Hawaii

This place is awesome. It took us a while to find it... we kept going by it on the highway... What is it?? I will copy from their website....

In 1904 the first generation of Japanese immigrants built 88 shrines replicating an ancient pilgrimage of 88 temples in Shikoku, Japan. Today, it is the only such site existing outside of Japan and is one of the oldest Buddhist temple sites in the country.

To me, it represented serenity... very humbling... it brought me to tears... and I don't know why.... I guess it just represented the hardship that the japanese had, living for many generations in Hawaii. And that was all prior to the World Wars. Had a chance to walk from temple to temple... they are small replicas of the originals...

The people that take of this place were very accommodating, even though we arrived during the off hours. Somehow, they just knew where me and my wife's heart are. Went we left, the lady there not only hugged us, but even gave us a peck us on the lips... No one has ever done that to us, without any thought to what is happening around the world today... Total respect....

We will always visit if we return to this...

Went today for the Pilgrimage of Compassion. Very beautiful place. The event had all kind of demonstrations (Calligraphy, Origami, Lei making, bonsai exhibit, etc). This year Grandmaster Riley Lee ( a world-renowned shakuhachi flutist) played while you walked the 88 shires.

If you have time while visiting Kauai this is a very unique place that you won’t find anywhere else.

Info from website: Lawai International Center, a non-profit community project, is an archaeological and cultural treasure in a valley that has long been recognized as a healing sanctuary. In 1904 the first generation of Japanese immigrants built 88 shrines replicating an ancient pilgrimage of 88 temples in Shikoku, Japan. Today, it is the only such site existing outside of Japan and is one of the oldest Buddhist temple sites in the country. Volunteers are bringing these shrines and this valley back to prominence as an international center for compassion, education and cultural...

Really charming grounds with helpful volunteers to show you around and share the long history of the property. I recommend taking a tour on select Sunday's. You'll see a A frame sign on south side of highway just west of Koloa road. Pay close attention to The handcrafted Japanese temple that was built using a fascinating ancient technique without the use of...