Aloha!
For more than 129 years, Hamakua Jodo Mission has been a place of faith, remembrance, and community. Established in 1896 as Hawaii’s first sanctioned Buddhist temple, it stands as a living connection to the generations who came before us. Within its grounds and cemetery are the stories and legacies that helped shape our community, reminding us of the importance of preserving this sacred place for those who will follow.
With the support of our members, friends, and volunteers, we have made great strides in revitalizing the temple. We have introduced educational displays to share our history, teachings, and traditions, expanded outreach through private tours, strengthened our online presence and publicity to reach broader audiences, and grown our annual Obon festival into a thriving cultural event that continues to bring people together. Collaborations with organizations such as the Honokaa Heritage Center for events like Japanese Cultural Heritage Day have further strengthened our ability to share and celebrate our heritage.
At the same time, essential work continues behind the scenes. We have been addressing long-overdue maintenance, improving safety conditions, and caring for the temple grounds and cemetery to preserve their beauty and dignity. We have also taken important steps to protect the temple’s future, including securing much-needed fire insurance for the first time in our history.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to both preservation and growth. Planned efforts include continued maintenance and safety improvements, as well as a cemetery mapping project to better document those laid to rest here and reconnect with their descendants. We are also working to expand programs and events that engage and educate our community, especially our younger generation.
Most importantly, our long-term goal remains to purchase the land from Kamehameha Schools. We recognize that this is a significant undertaking that will require years of careful planning, steady fundraising, and the continued support of our community. While the resources needed are substantial, each contribution brings us one step closer to owning the land we call home.
We humbly ask for your support in this ongoing effort. Your gift of any amount helps sustain the temple today while building toward a stable and lasting future. In giving, you become part of the story of Hamakua Jodo Mission to preserve not only a temple, but also the memories, traditions, and spirit of an entire community. What we protect today will guide and inspire generations yet to come.
If you are interested in helping us, please download and complete the donation form, and mail it along with your donation check or money order made payable to Hamakua Jodo Mission to: Hamakua Jodo Mission, P.O. Box 7, Honokaa, HI 96727
If you prefer to donate online using a credit card or PayPal, please click on the donate online button below. The donation form is not necessary for online donations:
Mahalo nui loa for your consideration and helping us carry this legacy forward!
Hamakua Jodo Mission 