Hawaiian elders have described Kaua‘i as the crown of the archipelago. It is anchored to the south by a valley named Lawai, long known as a place of healing — a sanctuary in a changeable world. From the distant reaches
Hawaiian elders have described Kaua‘i as the crown of the archipelago. It is anchored to the south by a valley named Lawai, long known as a place of healing — a sanctuary in a changeable world. From the distant reaches of the island, the ancient Hawaiians traveled by foot to receive the healing benefits of Lawai Valley. They built a heiau there, and when the Asian immigrants followed, they too built their temples: A Taoist temple, Shinto Shrine and a Buddhist temple. Today all that remains are the 88 Buddhist shrines, a replica of the famous pilgrimage of Shikoku, Japan.
Experience a tranquil walk on the path of the 88 shrines at the Lawai International Center Sunday. Tours are 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Enjoy a brief video and talk story session about this archaeological and hidden cultural treasure in Lawai Valley.
Take a journey to this sacred valley and discover the thread that unites the Hawaiians, the immigrants and a community of modern citizens who have established the Lawai International Center. It is a healing and cultural center for all the pilgrims of the world, a beacon of aloha when the world needs it most. As Hawaiian elder Pilahi Paki said, aloha will be “Hawai‘i’s gift to the world in the new millennium.”
The center is open to the public on the second and last Sunday of every month or by appointment only. The Lawai International Center is a non-profit community project. Donations are appreciated with gratitude. For more information call 639-4300, e-mail LM@hawaii.rr.com or visit lawaicenter.org.
