Lawai International Center

Churches & Places of Worship, Community Services/Non-Profits
The Lawai International Center is a beautiful, historic, and spiritual location, considered an absolute must-visit where visitors feel very welcome and appreciated. It is a sacred Buddhist area featuring 88 miniature shrines on a steep hillside, representing the 88 full-sized temples in Japan. The site has a fascinating layered history, having once been a Hawaiian heiau, Taoist temple, Shinto shrine, and Buddhist temple. The center is only open two Sundays a month, requiring reservations. A visit begins with an informative and moving presentation detailing this history. Following this, guests are loaned a walking stick and asked not to speak as they embark on a personal journey up the peaceful and calming hillside path. The walk is not strenuous, and the quiet surroundings, motion of walking, and small temples contribute to a unique, mystical, and often profoundly moving experience. A first stop includes the Hall of Compassion, built without nails. The dedication of the volunteers is clear, and they are very friendly and helpful. The site also features orchids, goats, and a friendly donkey. Notably, it boasts an exceptionally clean and deluxe portable toilet. The overall experience is wonderful, magical, and a testament to the power of the place.

• 4.21 miles

  

  Kauai Christian Fellowship Church
• 4.76 miles

  

  The Salvation Army Corps Community Center Church, Thrift Store
• 4.94 miles

  

  Kauai Habitat for Humanity ReStore Thrift Store, Community Service/Non-Profit
• 7.8 miles

  

  Kauai Society of Artists Art Gallery, Community Service/Non-Profit

1. Kalaheo, Hawaii