Religious Sights

At the foot of the Ko'olau Mountains stands a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan. The graceful vermilion complex is surrounded by the largest Japanese garden outside Japan. At the temple entrance hangs a sobering three-ton bronze bell—ring it before entering the sanctuary to purify the mind of evil and temptation, then meditate to to the nine-foot-tall statue of the Buddha. More than 10,000 carp live in a two-acre reflecting pool and wild peacocks stroll the grounds freely. Admission: USD2 for adults; USD1 for children and seniors.

This small museum is dedicated to Father Damien Joseph De Veuster, a Belgian-born priest-martyr who worked among the victims of Hansen's disease (leprosy) who were exiled to Kalaupapa on the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i. He eventually contracted the disease and died of it. The museum's two rooms overflow with interesting photographs, artifacts and other memorabilia. A 20-minute video depicts the priest's life. In 1995, Pope John Paul II declared Father Damien blessed, the second of the three steps necessary before canonization as a saint. Admission is free.

Built by Christian missionaries in the 1830s and 1840s, this church has always frequented by Hawaiian royalty. The handsome gray edifice, listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings, was constructed of 14,000 coral blocks. The upper gallery houses a collection of portraits of Hawaiian monarchs. Traditional Hawaiian-language services are held here every Sunday. The pews at the rear are still reserved for descendants of Hawaii's royalty. Free tours of the church are offered on weekdays from 9a-1p and on Sundays after morning services. Call for reservations.

This is a city location for Muslim worship and other services.

Established in 1854 by some of the original Hawaiian settlers, this magnificent edifice stands out among the high rises and condos of Waikiki. It is obviously a building with a history—you can tell even before reading the placard above the entryway. If the church is imposing and majestic from the outside, it is awe-inspiring from the inside. Full-length stained glass windows and a tiered ceiling ornament the vast interior. Behind the church is the Father Damien museum and a group center for disadvantaged Tongan youth.