THIS TEMPLE IS NOT HANDICAP FRIENDLY!!…read more Friday. I purchased my food at the food booth and placed it all in a soda box and then placed it on top of my walker and headed back to the elevator to go down to the social hall to meet up with my wife. As soon i get to the elevator the bonsan (Buddhist monk) is placing an out of order sign on the elevator and tells me in english that it's not working. I ask him if he can please help me carry the soda box of food down to the social hall, he looks at me and then walks away. Luckily another person (who is also disabled) who was helping tape out of order signs was able to help me take it down the steps.

Five stars. The Winter Bazaar was held today, on 10-06-13. It was really fun, not crowded at all,…read morehowever it rained a bit. A lot of snack foods in the parking lot and a white elephant and craft sale in the Hall. All in all, it was fun!

I love this temple, the managers there is very nice and helpful. They are very knowledgeable, been…read morehelping me and other memebers to resolve many issuses.

Great place with beautiful scenery. One of the nicer temples in Honolulu with lots of native plants…read moresurrounding the area. Great sacred space.

Wonderful place to visit, and wonderful people, so very happy and willing to help. There are no…read morefees to get in, however you must go as a guest with a friend or family member, or someone you know that is a practitioner. This organization is all about world peace and personal happiness, and people treat you like Ohana. If you don't know anyone, you can call them and let them know you are interested. Very friendly. Awesome experience!!!

Great experience ever,I grew up in the philosophy and starting practice since I was four years old…read more I took an oath while at at four. To always protect the gohonzon and the members, at large. Throughout my life... Honolulu Culture of Peace Resource Center SGI-USA Hawaii Culture Center 2729 Pali Hwy Honolulu, HI 96817 Contact: Jonny Price Phone: 808-595-6324

Reverend Cullen of the Mong Won Tan Temple in Palolo has been such a serene and trusting place for…read moreme and my family. Although we have only visited this temple on 2 separate occasions, we have found solace, relief and consolation during times of distress and sorrow. He has brought us emotional strength, easing our pain and anxiety. Also, he takes time to explain things in a simplistic way and gives meaning to life. Such a wonderful man and aura around him.

Blessings on earth…read more.. In a humble Temple in Palolo Valley, there sits a great source of comfort and wisdom... My aunt on my mother's side used to see Reverend Tin Fook at the Mong Won Tan Temple. Tin Fook's English name is Cullen. He is a local boy who can speak Hawaiian, Cantonese, and English! I felt like my cousin on my father's side would be able to feel some connection and get some assistance and peace of mind, too... I brought her to Rev. Tin Fook and it was a successful meeting! There's free street parking in the front. The Temple appears to be a house in a quiet, residential neighborhood, surrounded by orchids, lehua tree, and blossoming puakenikeni! As you drive up Gardenia Street, the Temple is easy to spot because of the red doors. Hours of operation are 7am to 10am every day except Saturdays and Mondays when it's closed. We were afraid that there would be a long line of parishioners, waiting their turn with Tin Fook. We actually were the first to be seen! However, after a few minutes, The Reverend wanted a longer session with us, so he called in the next client, heard their concerns, and called us back in. After a while, another person came for advice, so we took a break, returned to "talk story", and finished out the Reverend's day (10am). Yes...he is very patient and empathetic. He uses common sense and gives practical guidance. I sure can see why he is so popular! If you're interested, just stop by and give it a try! Donations of fruit, flowers, monetary gifts, incense, etc. are welcomed! Note: the next jai (vegetarian Monk's food) fundraiser is on 7-21-19. Put your order in because it's just a small homemade batch made with lots of Aloha! It's just $10 a jar!

Shinnyo-En is responsible for the very popular Lantern Floating that takes place at Ala Moana Beach…read morePark. Shinnyo-En and its members, are dedicated in making this event a success. Preparation starts months prior to, they are so organized and insist on handling each step with the utmost care and order. For the volunteers, it is mandatory to watch an orientation video, which will even include instructions on how to wash your hands before helping. It's so amazing that they manage to assemble thousands of lanterns, while working in a small space. Lanterns are neatly packed away and prayer requests are handled with so much respect and manner. Your religious belief is not a concern, they welcome everyone to participate and come together for the remembrance of a special someone. A truly touching time of the year... Lantern Floating Hawaii, is where thousands gather (50,000 in 2017) for the same reason on Memorial Day, all possible thanks to Shinnyo-En, and it's members.

I have been a member of Shinnyo-en for over 15 years. I wasn't religious before becoming connected…read more(besides attending Buddhist funeral services and going to obon dances for surface level reasons). I enjoy this temple because they are very accepting of everyone, no matter what, due to the belief that everyone has Buddha-nature and the potential to grow inside of them. I never ever feel judged or worried. Everyone is so welcoming, whether you're a regular or a new face. I also appreciate that they are completely fine with me exploring other religions and freely accept people following (previously or currently) other religions. In fact, the head of our temple also attends services and blesses sites of other religions around the world. If I want to attend my friend's Christian services, I never feel like I am doing something wrong or should be ashamed. Some things to note if you are a new-comer: -There are numerous parking lots and street parking for you to use for free (see photo). There are usually attendants outside of the lots to welcome/guide you and if the lots are full, they usually have a sign out marking that. We usually try to park at one of the farther lots so that the elderly, those with young children, and those that are running late can have an easier time getting to temple. -We take off our shoes and wear socks inside the main building. There are lockers and shoe racks for you to use. If you forget socks, you can borrow a pair from the front desk. The front desk can also lend you a chanting book (English or Japanese), an okesa (you wear it around your neck), and if you let them know you are new, they can have someone guide you/explain things to you if you'd like. -There are usually rooms that play videos of the service in Japanese and rooms that play the videos in English. There are headsets to borrow too (they have dubs in the opposite language of the video and also in the same language if you just want to hear it louder). -There is a room that younger children and their parents usually go to (though it's not required) and there's also a separate building for babies and their parents (again, not required). -If you are in a wheelchair or prefer being in an open air room, you can view the service from a room next to the patio area. -There are refreshments for donation in the patio area (cup noodles, juices, sodas, etc.) It's common for people to hang out and socialize in the patio area and under the mango tree after service (: -There's also a training center in Pearl City if you don't want to drive all the way to town. Be sure to check the schedule though, as I think there are different services from the main temple. -If you are a new comer, any service is great but I highly recommend setsubun (good luck bean throwing) service in February--it's so much fun!

While this review may mainly focus on the bon dance event to me how a temple runs their event is a…read moredirect reflection of themselves. [HANDICAP] There is handicap parking available on a first come, first serve basis. So do come early or be prepared to be dropped off. [PARKING] Other lots available nearby, suggest calling the temple the week leading up to the Bon Dance to ask where parking is available.

I am a member of the community this temple is at. I used to feel more welcomed here, but recently…read morethey made it clear the neighbors aren't welcome.

While this review mainly focuses on the bon dance event, I feel that how a temple runs their event…read moreis a direct reflection on the temple itself, the minister and the congregation. To me when a temple takes the time to consider people that are either disabled or handicap it shows their compassion which is very important to Buddhist especially during Obon. [DA PEOPLE] This is a country bon dance. The volunteers here are so nice and friendly. Actually had several conversations with different volunteers while waiting for the food booth to open. I got to meet the daughter of the lady that used to make really good oden. [FOOD] Love the tsukemono and other pickled vegetables here. I actually bring a cooler with ice so that I can purchase extra to bring home. [HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY] I'm going to be honest and say this is not really a handicap accessible bon dance. There are stairs that you have to go up (I'm not sure if there is a side area for wheelchairs to get up), and there are stairs to go down to get to the men's restrooms (I'm not sure about the women's side).

Five stars. A lovely Hongwanji with deep roots in the sugar plantation community and a rich history…read morebehind it. Just being there is like taking a step back in time and seeing how life was like back at the turn of the 19th Century and throughout the 20th Century. Really nice and relaxing to be out there, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. A must to go to every Obon season.

The master is a very kind and present being. Authentic teaching of Buddhadharma…read more This is not a touristy kind of temple. Seekers will not need a Disneyland kind of atmosphere. Come if you wish and seek in the humble presence of this place. No beliefs are necessary. Sit and breathe.

Very comfortable and nice place to visit. Very relaxing and facilitates meditation. The head monk…read morespeaks several languages, especially perfect English. He can explain everything to you. What a wonderful place.