Temple History
Puna Hongwanji is part of the state organization of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, established in 1889 to provide spiritual support to immigrants from Japan. Our Hongwanji, the Temple of the Primal Vow, originated in Japan and was founded by the Venerable Shinran Shonin (1173-1263). It has grown and prospered in Japan, and its international propagation led to its establishment in Hawaii in the aforementioned year. Historically aimed at Japanese and Japanese Americans, these teachings have been opened to everyone, regardless of ethnicity or race, endeavoring to integrate with Hawaii and contribute to its people.
Puna Hongwanji (Olaa Hongwanji formerly) is a Pure Land Shin Buddhist temple located in Keaau, Hawaii. It was founded in 1902 on the land which was subleased from Olaa Sugar Company. Puna Hongwanji provided spiritual support and guidance for first generation Japanese immigrants including Japanese school, activities, and Buddhist services. The present temple was built in 1937 with donations from members.
During WWII, all Buddhist ministers were interned in relocation camps and temple facilities including school buildings were taken over by the military. With no resident minister, Reverend Ernest Hunt serviced Olaa Hongwanji. Due to the efforts of President Tsugio Tanaka, the temple was reopened and was allowed to conduct services on Sundays and New Year.
After the end of the war, temple and activities were reactivated. In 1957 the name of the temple was changed to Puna Hongwanji Mission based on the suggestion by Herbert Shipman, W. H. Shipman, Ltd. which was the lessor of Olaa Hongwanji, since it served the entire Puna District.
As the temple’s 60th Anniversary and the Founder Master Shinran’s 700th Memorial celebration projects, a new kitchen, dining room complex and a new columbarium were built in 1963 by temple members. For the 75th Anniversary, various projects — construction of a parking lot, refinishing pews, covering the temple and office floors with vinyl tiles and more — were planned and completed.
The temple grounds were donated by the Shipman family. A deed was officially presented by Roy Blackshear, on behalf of the Shipman family, to Puna Hongwanji Mission on October 17, 1976.
Experiencing the transfer of ministers, and the closing of Puna Sugar Company, Puna Hongwanji continued to carry on the Mission and completed many projects. In 2002 Centennial projects such as installation of an elevator, leveling the social hall floor, building a Japanese garden, and erecting a bronze statue of Master Shinran in front of the temple were done.
Developing clubs such as Taiko, Judo , Yoga, Scouting, Exercising class as well as community service, Puna Hongwanji provides spiritual guidance to a larger community so that every single person can live a life of peace and gratitude.
Vision & Mission
Puna Hongwanji Mission will be a dynamic and unique temple for Hawaii serving the spiritual needs of the community through Jodo Shinshu Teachings.
Puna Hongwanji Mission is a community of people joined in the joy of a common faith in Amida Buddha to share the Dharma in our daily living.