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The Lahaina Jodo Mission
was founded in 1912 with the support of many Japanese
immigrants then working in the sugar and pineapple
plantations. After the original temple was destroyed
in a fire in 1968, the members of the Mission
decided to build a Japanese style Buddhist temple
on the beachfront property that provided an idyllic
setting. The temple is located on Puunoa Point
in Lahaina, the first capital of the Hawaiian
Islands, and overlooks the beauty and serenity
of three neighboring islands Molokai, Lanai, and
Kahoolawe and the West Maui mountains.
The Great Buddha and the Temple Bell were completed
in June 1968 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary
of the first Japanese immigrants to arrive in
Hawaii. In 1970, the main Temple and Pagoda were
built with the generous and wholehearted support
of the members of the Mission as well as the general
public. Masao Omori, a Japanese philanthropist,
donated the expertise of Japanese craftsmen that
was necessary for the construction of the buildings
and the casting of the Buddha.
The present temple grounds have been dedicated
to all our ancestors who have passed away. We
are indebted to the entire Jodo Mission family
throughout the State of Hawai'i, and to our friends
who have supported our Mission over the years.
It is our hope that visitors of all faiths who
visit our temple grounds will develop a greater
understanding and appreciation of Buddhism.
The property is owned by the Lahaina Jodo Mission.
Maintenance and improvement of the premises are
dependent on voluntary contributions.
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