On October 20th, our Wailuku Hongwanji Mission Buddhist Temple joyfully marked its 125th anniversary—a remarkable milestone that highlights over a century of faith, service, and community. The celebration brought together a tapestry of voices and hearts, reaffirming the temple’s enduring legacy as a pillar of spiritual guidance and fellowship on Maui.
The event was graced by the presence of Bishop Umitani who assisted our own Rev. Shinkai Murakami along with clergy from our sister temples, Rev. Kerry Kiyohara from Makawao and Rev. Ai Hironaka from Kahului, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose. The service and follow-on lunch were well attended with well over 100 people attending to include members from Hongwanji temples in Kahului, Makawao, Lahaina and members of our affiliate organizations adding to the sense of community.
We were also honored to welcome distinguished speakers from both state and county levels. This included Mrs. Marina Martin of the Mayor’s office, Councilwoman Yuki Lei Sugimura. They expressed heartfelt congratulations, emphasizing the temple’s integral role in shaping Maui’s history and culture. Through their words, we were reminded of the ways our temple has influenced countless lives, standing as a testament to the enduring power of Buddhism and a commitment to inspire and unite.
As we celebrated this milestone, we reflected not only on our temple’s past but also on its vibrant present and promising future. The voices of those who gathered echoed with gratitude for the generations who came before us and hope for those who will continue this journey in the years ahead. Those who came before us are the Keirokai, or elders of the temple. They were singled out for there contributions to the temple.
Danny Topp, the chairman of the 125th planning committee sends out a special thank-you to everyone who participated, whether in planning, speaking, or simply attending. Your presence added to the spirit of the occasion and made it truly memorable. As we move forward, may this anniversary inspire us to deepen our faith, expand our service, and continue being a source of light and hope for Maui and beyond.
Here’s to the next 125 years of faith, fellowship, and flourishing in our community!
