Daifukuji Soto Zen Mission
a.k.a. 10-47-7222
Mamalahoa Hwy., Honalo, HIThe Daifukuji Soto Zen Mission is architecturally significant as a good example of a Buddhist temple constructed in Hawaii in the early twentieth century.
Its mixture of Japanese and local architectural elements makes it a typical Buddhist building of its period and place. The use of the metal roof and single wall construction derive from Hawaii's plantation tradition, while the roof forms, elevated building, the decorative portico, and use of the verandah all derive from Japan. However, the round-arched windows well bespeak a Western influence amidst the otherwise oriental ornamentation. This building is the best example of the form on the Kona coast and is one of perhaps a dozen such structures which remain extant in Hawaii. Other good examples of the form include the Hongwanji temples in Koloa (Kauai), Hana (Maui), and North Kohala (Hawaii); the Jodo Missions in Koloa (Kauai), Hamakua (Hawaii), and Lauphoehoe (Hawaii); and the Soto Zen Mission in Paia (Maui).
This is the oldest Soto Zen temple in Hawaii. The congregation was established in 1914, and under the direction of Reverend Kaiseki Kodama a temple was constructed, approximately 200 yards north of the current building. In 1918 Reverend Meido Kakiura took over the ministry at Honalo, and in 1921 dedicated the present building.
Local significance of the building:
Its mixture of Japanese and local architectural elements makes it a typical Buddhist building of its period and place. The use of the metal roof and single wall construction derive from Hawaii's plantation tradition, while the roof forms, elevated building, the decorative portico, and use of the verandah all derive from Japan. However, the round-arched windows well bespeak a Western influence amidst the otherwise oriental ornamentation. This building is the best example of the form on the Kona coast and is one of perhaps a dozen such structures which remain extant in Hawaii. Other good examples of the form include the Hongwanji temples in Koloa (Kauai), Hana (Maui), and North Kohala (Hawaii); the Jodo Missions in Koloa (Kauai), Hamakua (Hawaii), and Lauphoehoe (Hawaii); and the Soto Zen Mission in Paia (Maui).
This is the oldest Soto Zen temple in Hawaii. The congregation was established in 1914, and under the direction of Reverend Kaiseki Kodama a temple was constructed, approximately 200 yards north of the current building. In 1918 Reverend Meido Kakiura took over the ministry at Honalo, and in 1921 dedicated the present building.
Architecture
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Hawaiian Islands are some of the most isolated landmasses in the world, with the closest landmass being over 2,000 miles away. As a result, Hawaii has a unique flora and fauna, with many species that are found nowhere else in the world.
About Hawaii County
Hawaii County Timeline
Hawaii County, also known as the Big Island, is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. The history of Hawaii County is shaped by the arrival of Polynesians, Europeans, and the eventual annexation by the United States.
The Polynesians were the first to settle in Hawaii County, arriving around 1,500 years ago. They brought with them their culture, traditions, and agricultural practices. They established a flourishing society based on fishing, farming, and trade. The island was ruled by chiefdoms, and their hierarchical structure was based on the division of labor and a system of religion and customs.
In 1778, British Captain James Cook arrived on the island, introducing Europeans to Hawaii County. Cook's arrival brought both curiosity and conflict. While Cook's initial visit was peaceful, tensions escalated on subsequent visits, leading to his death in 1779. European influence grew as more explorers, traders, and missionaries arrived in Hawaii County, bringing new technologies, diseases, and religious beliefs.
In the late 19th century, Hawaii County faced significant changes. Influenced by the economic interests of American businesspeople, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and later the Republic of Hawaii. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii County as a territory, primarily driven by strategic military interests.
In 1959, Hawaii County became the 50th state of the United States. Since then, it has experienced growth in both population and tourism. The island's diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush tropical forests, have made it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Hawaii County continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while evolving into a modern and vibrant place to live and visit.
The Polynesians were the first to settle in Hawaii County, arriving around 1,500 years ago. They brought with them their culture, traditions, and agricultural practices. They established a flourishing society based on fishing, farming, and trade. The island was ruled by chiefdoms, and their hierarchical structure was based on the division of labor and a system of religion and customs.
In 1778, British Captain James Cook arrived on the island, introducing Europeans to Hawaii County. Cook's arrival brought both curiosity and conflict. While Cook's initial visit was peaceful, tensions escalated on subsequent visits, leading to his death in 1779. European influence grew as more explorers, traders, and missionaries arrived in Hawaii County, bringing new technologies, diseases, and religious beliefs.
In the late 19th century, Hawaii County faced significant changes. Influenced by the economic interests of American businesspeople, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and later the Republic of Hawaii. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii County as a territory, primarily driven by strategic military interests.
In 1959, Hawaii County became the 50th state of the United States. Since then, it has experienced growth in both population and tourism. The island's diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush tropical forests, have made it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Hawaii County continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while evolving into a modern and vibrant place to live and visit.
Hawaii County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hawaii County, Hawaii.
- Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, is believed to have been settled by Polynesians around 1,500 years ago.
- In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook became the first recorded European to visit the island during his third Pacific voyage.
- In 1790, the famous Battle of Kepaniwai took place between forces of the Hawaiian Kingdom and Maui warriors near present-day Hilo.
- In 1791, the American merchant vessel "Eleanor" became the first recorded foreign ship to anchor in Hilo Bay, marking the beginning of increased foreign trade and influence on the island.
- In 1840, Hilo was designated as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii by King Kamehameha III.
- In 1885, the first sugarcane plantation was established in Puna, marking the beginning of large-scale sugarcane cultivation on the island.
- In 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by a group of American and European businessmen, leading to the establishment of a provisional government dominated by foreign interests.
- In 1900, Hawaii became a territory of the United States, and Hilo became the county seat of Hawaii County.
- In 1946, the Hilo tsunami, caused by an earthquake near the Aleutian Islands, struck the island and devastated many coastal areas.
- In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States.
- In 1983, the eruption of Kilauea volcano started, which has continued to shape the landscape of the island throughout the years.