Beaches Near Byodo-In Temple

About Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Japanese temple nestled in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park at the base of the Koʻolau cliffs in Kaneʻohe. It is one of Oʻahu's most photographed landmarks, set against dramatic green mountain walls with a reflecting pond and koi gardens.

The temple is inland with no beach access on site, but the windward coast is just a short drive in either direction. Heading north takes you along one of Oʻahu's most scenic stretches of highway, while heading south puts you on the way to Kailua, one of the best beach towns on the island.

From Byodo-In Temple, return to Kamehameha Highway and head north for Kualoa and Kahana Bay, or south toward Kaneʻohe and then through to Kailua and Lanikai. The drive along the windward coast in either direction is one of the most scenic on Oʻahu, with the Koʻolau cliffs on one side and the ocean on the other.

Best for swimming: Kailua Beach (widest sand, clearest water). Best for scenery: Kualoa Beach (island and mountain views). Best water quality: Lanikai Beach. Best for camping: Kahana Bay Beach.

After heavy rain, bacteria levels spike at beaches near streams and river mouths. If a brown water advisory is active near Byodo-In Temple, Oʻahu:

• Wait 72 hours after rain stops before entering the water
• Avoid brown or murky water regardless of whether an advisory is posted
• Best rain-resistant option: Lanikai Beach (South) — generally clearer after rain due to geography
• Check the Oʻahu live advisories page for current conditions