Lawai International Center, a non-profit community project, is an archaeological and cultural treasure in a valley that has long been recognized as a healing sanctuary. In 1904 the first generation of Japanese immigrants built 88 shrines replicating an ancient pilgrimage of 88 temples in Shikoku, Japan.

Volunteers help Saturdays on the restoration of the 32 acres in the Lawai Valley that once was the site of the Hawaiian heiau, a Taoist temple, a Shinto shrine, and a Buddhist temple.

The center is open the second and the last Sunday of every month with tours at 10:00am, 12:00pm and 2:00pm, or by appointment.  I visit whenever I’m in town.  The feeling of peace and tranquility is overwhelming.