If you ask anyone to describe Hamakua Jodo Mission, the words breathtaking and serene are usually two words that come to mind. Not many would say historic, however efforts are underway to change this.
Hamakua Jodo Mission was built in 1896, under the direction of Reverend Gakuo Okabe, making it the first sanctioned Buddhist temple in Hawaii. In 1918, the temple was converted into a kitchen and dining hall and a new temple was erected. This new temple (also known as “konpondo”) was built by Umekichi Tanaka, a Japanese immigrant who was a miyadaiku, a carpenter trained in building temples and shrines along with the help of many Japanese immigrant volunteers. This creation is an architectural marvel on many levels – from its design, construction (no nails) and intricately carved koa wood transoms and altar, it is a sight to behold.
There is a cemetery located behind the temple, which is one of the oldest on the Big Island. It is also the final resting place of Katsu Goto, an immigrant storekeeper in Honokaa, who was lynched due to racial tensions.
Hamakua Jodo Mission played an important role for the Issei on the Hamakua Coast and at one point boasted over 600 members. Unfortunately, like many Buddhist temples in Hawaii, membership has been dwindling over the years. A lot of the members have passed on and the handful left are in their mid 80s and 90s. Many children and grandchildren of members who are no longer alive either have moved away, have different religious beliefs, or have little interest in the temple.
Since Hamakua Jodo Mission’s livelihood is based on donations, the decline in membership is greatly impacting our temple. There is currently a grassroots effort by our Executive Team (Board of Directors) to get the community and younger generation familiar with the temple’s historical value and reinvigorate interest, which will hopefully translate into new members, volunteers, and donors.
Our temple is on the worldwide web via the official website you are currently viewing and is also featured on the Historypin website, which can be accessed at: http://Bit.ly/HamakuaJodoMission or by scanning the QR code below:
There is a lot of detailed information about our history on both websites dedicated to Hamakua Jodo Mission, so take a look and learn a new fact or two! To learn more about Hamakua Jodo Mission, point your cursor on the “ABOUT HJM” tab above. Click on which topic you would like to learn more about and you will be directed to its page.
As of 2025, we are now also on social media via our Instagram account!
https://www.instagram.com/hamakua_jodo_mission/
Enjoy!
Hamakua Jodo Mission 