Lawai International Center

Lawai is on the main highway about ten miles west of Lihue, just before you get to Kalaheo. Nestled in this quiet community is a unique place called the Lawai International Center.

Visiting the center begins with a short presentation of its history and how the community came together to save and restore this unique cultural site. I won't attempt to convey all that here.

Generations ago when Japanese immigrated to Kauaʻi to work on the plantations, local families recreated the Japanese tradition of the Shikoku pilgrimage by constructing 88 miniature temples on the hillside here. When you visit the center you can pay respects at each of the temples in less than an hour (compared to quite a lot of time and travel to do it in Shikoku).

There also is newly built traditional Japanese structure nearly completed on the grounds.

Quite a few lovely orchids can be seen in the garden and around the shrines.

Visiting: the following may be subject to change - check the web site for latest details and contact information

• Open to visitors (no reservation needed) every second and last Sunday of the month.
• Other times can be arranged by phoning the center.
• Take the main highway (50) to Lawai. Just west of Koloa Road (530) turn makai (toward the ocean) on Wawae Road - it's a small street that almost looks like a driveway, fairly close to the major 530 intersection with traffic light. Follow Wawae a short block to the end, and turn right uphill into the gravel parking area. 
• The center welcomes visitors under large open tents set up on the grounds.