Kuan Yin Temple

Kuan Yin Temple is a Chinese Buddhist temple at 170 N Vineyard Blvd in Honolulu, near Chinatown and Foster Garden. Red columns and a green ceramic-tile roof mark its ornate exterior; inside, the prayer hall holds a large statue of Kuan Yin, the bodhisattva of mercy. Lotus flowers and a garden at the rear add a quiet place to pause. You can pay your respects, meditate, or visit on a lunar 1st or 15th day, when the temple offers free vegetarian meals to the public.

Kuan Yin and the temple

The temple is dedicated to Kuan Yin, also known as Kannon, a bodhisattva associated with mercy and compassion. Buddhist tradition describes a bodhisattva as one who remains on Earth to help others after attaining enlightenment. Kuan Yin is often shown as female, though the figure was represented as male before changing over the centuries.

Informative displays at the temple explain Kuan Yin’s significance. They offer context for the statue in the prayer hall and for the temple’s role as a place to pay respects and meditate.

Details inside and outside

The exterior pairs bright red columns with a green ceramic-tile roof. Inside, carved details fill the prayer hall, where the large Kuan Yin statue is the focal point. Incense is burned in the temple.

At the rear, a botanical garden provides a green space beside the city streets. Lotus flowers grow in the yard, adding a detail to look for as you walk around the grounds.