While life is certainly a little slower across the Hawaiian Islands than on the American mainland, there are undoubtedly some places more peaceful than others, more removed from the hustle and bustle of Hawaii’s capital, and our popular resort destinations. So, the next time you want to get away from it all and embrace the serenity, you might want to head to this unique destination.
There’s no denying that the Hawaiian Islands are a place of vast multicultural diversity and nowhere is that more true than the Lawai International Center, a non-denominational community project that promotes cultural understanding, education, and compassion for all people.
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Tucked away in the heart of the sacred Lawai Valley on the island of Kauai, this cultural site is one of the Aloha State’s most fascinating destinations.
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Originally the site of an ancient Hawaiian heiau, Japanese immigrants placed 88 miniature Shingon Buddhist shrines along a steep hillside path to symbolize the famous shrines found along a 1,000-mile pilgrimage in Shikoku, Japan. Each shrine was two feet tall and made from wood and stone.
People would come from across the islands and further to meditate upon these shrines for years before the site was abandoned in the 1960s. Unfortunately, half the shrines were scattered in shards and left to be reclaimed by nature.
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Two decades later, a crew of volunteers formed a non-profit, acquired the 32-acre property, and began repairing and rebuilding the shrines. Today, each of the 88 shrines has been beautifully restored and a gorgeous wooden temple — the Hall of Compassion — was built.
Lawai International Center/Facebook
It is the only site of its kind outside of Japan and all who visit this lush and peaceful place are sure to feel serenity.
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Everyone is welcome to visit this nondenominational sanctuary that opens for tours twice each month. Offered two Sundays per month, the leisurely tours include a hillside trail walk and a detailed history lesson.
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The Lawai International Center is open the second and last Sunday of every month with tours at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. or by private appointment. For exact dates or more information, visit their website. Have you ever heard of or been to this unique destination? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
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Lawai International Center/Facebook
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Address: 3381 Wawae Rd, Kalaheo, HI 96741, USA
