In the Koolau Valley

You might think that Hawaii is all about beach & sand adventures, and you might be surprised to know that there is a place located at the foot of the 2,000 foot Ko'olau Mountains in the Valley of the Temples in Oahu's Kaneohe Region - the beautiful Byodo-In Temple.Built in 1968 to honor the 100th centennial of the arrival Japanese immigrant workers to Hawaii, it is the exact replica of the 950 old Temple in the city of Uji, in Japan. My very favorite part of the entire complex is the traditional Japanese garden, impeccably maintained along with the 2-acre Koi Pond. Majestic scenery for unforgettable vacation photos, a place of tranquility, reflection and meditation. I love the surrounding me smell of lavender and eucalyptus trees, the gracefully wandering peacocks and the Japanese monk with the smile of the one that reminds me Dalai Lama's.
In the Temple itself, you will be welcomed by the non-foot Lotus Buddha, largest wooden Buddha carved in over 900 years. Since it's non-denominational Buddhist Temple, it welcomes different faiths, and purposes of visit. I love going early in the morning, right at the opening around 8:30am, or late in the afternoon when all the tourist buses are gone, and so it feels the Temple reserved its essential sense of serenity just for me. Well to appreciate its beauty it's good to be selfish and explore its beauty and the surrounding when less crowded.
It might inspire you to have a garden, a temple of your own. If you've seen the movie "After the Sunset" I'm sure you resonate to the beautiful home & garden in it, and if you'd come to Hawaii for long term vacation, that would be your dream accommodation. A place to share only with your Hawaiian memories. Here comes to mind the vacation homes, villas and estates in Oahu, Maui and the Big Island that Trinity Properties offers to whomever designs their vacation here in the most exquisite way and is looking for a private sense and piece of Paradise.
A Temple of your own, perhaps Wailea Lani, or Ocean Mist, and the new addition the Diamond Head Bali Estate...Check it out, the Trinity Team will help you make up your mind...
To be continued...