LĀWA‘I INTERNATIONAL CENTER is a cultural treasure located in a valley long noted for its spiritual essence. The 32 acres in LĀWA‘I VALLEY have been home to a Hawaiian heiau (temple).
In 1904, following full days of back-breaking plantation work, first- generation Japanese immigrants took the time to build 88 shrines that replicate the ancient pilgrimage of 88 temples in Shikoku, Japan. Situated on a narrow pathway carved into a steep hillside, these shrines still stand today, and visitors can walk the same path that the plantation workers took so much pride in creating.
Tours of the center, which include a short documentary and photo presentation, are held at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. on the second and last Sunday of each month, or by appointment at 808-639-4300 or lm@ hawaii.rr.com.