Aloha, when on Kauai & it's Bon Dance season, why not go the Hanapepe Hongwanji Mission…read more Beautifully decorated, visitors & locals all show up in their hapi coats to dance to the drums. Although fun, the best part of Bon Dance is the food, really. And more specifically the "flying Saucers" as Kauai is home of the origination of. Okay it's not a UFO - but it's way better as you get to eat it!. I'll try to explain - it's a cheese-burger with shoyu, ketchup, onions & sugar in 2 pieces of buttered white bread that is grilled by putting into a round grill that seals it into a disc - so there's no bread crust, ends up looking like a flying saucer. Oh so ono, you have to experience it. And I don't know why it's not here on Oahu or any other island for that matter, as it should be. Best treat on Kauai at a Bon Dance.

There are two West Kauai Hongwanji temples on island... one is located in Waimea and the other is…read morelocated in Hanapepe. Both temples are Jodo Shinshu temples with Rev. Hojo as the current resident minister for both temples. Decided to fly to Kauai for a day to check out the West Kauai Hongwanji in Hanapepe's bon dance. Bon dance is celebrated during obon season (In Hawaii, it's all summer long from June to August), and we dance to celebrate and honor our ancestors and recently departed loved ones. So far I've been to 4 different bon dances on Kauai and I've really enjoyed the one at the West Kauai Hongwanji in Hanapepe (WKHH). The temple had plenty parking in the surrounding areas of the temple and also along the street, the dance area (in front of the temple) was nice and spacious with a nice grassy area, the food was so delicious (will get back to that later), and everyone there was so nice and friendly. Even the minister, Rev. Hojo was in the temple to answer any questions we had... later on that night, he performed during the intermission of the bon dance with the Koi Dynasty group. Going back to the food... Kauai's bon dances are usually know for a sandwich item called flying saucers. Its basically a sloppy joe, sandwiched on toasted bread, and they have a mold that makes the sandwiches round, so it comes out looking like a UFO or flying saucers. I've had some on Oahu before but it doesnt compare to the original Kauai style. Though it's pretty pricey ($3 for one sandwich), it's well worth it. People started lining up a long time before they were open. There were a lot more food items like plate lunches, saimin, andagi, and pronto pup (aka Andadog). Everything was so delicious! Will definitely be back again to WKHH!!!

I love old churches! This is one of my favorites in Hawaii. I first saw it in 1990 and it was…read moresitting seemingly by itself out away from Hanalei. Words couldn't describe how beautiful it looked in the perfect,setting with perfect mountain backdrop on a perfect island. Unfortunately, Kauai has grown up around it somewhat but, it's still a treat to visit and imagine the worshipers congregated on a tropical Sunday morning here 100 years ago.

08/20/2017 Driving by one day I just had to stop and take a…read morelonger look at this beautiful building. It really catches the eye. Wish we could have gone inside but we happened by when nobody was around.  The church sits on 17 acres and includes; the mission house/ museum, caretaker cottages, a garage and mission hall. Missionaries arrived to this area in 1834. It's listed on the National Registry of Historic Places since 1973. Perhaps we will visit the museum on our next visit.

Our church since we moved to the island. So welcoming, so…read moreinclusive, so friendly, so aloha, so full of grace and spirituality! Father Gus is awesome and passionate The church is full when we attend each Sunday at 9:30 am. Visitors are welcome and appreciated! There are 2 lovely mosaic murals in the church that are just beautiful! One is of Father Damien who served the lepers banished to Molokai. And the other of sister Marianne Cope, who also served with Father Damien. Come and experience this lovely church!

Beautiful warm welcoming parish church full of aloha, piety and tradition. Vibrant community and…read moreprayerful atmosphere. Church dates to 1888 and as such, still retains most of the original architectural elements the French designers incorporated: proper narthex, nave, sanctuary, apex, and sited correctly "ad orientum" (facing east) so that the sun (symbolic of Christ) rises and illumines the altar where the Holy Sacrifice is re-presented at every Mass. Also contains the proper tabernacle and candelabrae so if desired, Mass in the Extraordinary Form could be offered/celebrated here. The altar is impressive and there are many other nice appointments that adorn the murae (walls) and ceiling. Many of the statues of saints date from the late 19th-20th century, and while the original stained glass appears to have been replaced by clear double paners, it doesn't detract from the majestic, and effectively lifts one's senses and thoughts to God (as is the whole purpose of church architecture) Lastly, we couldn't help but notice the outdoor replica of the 1858 holy grotto at Lourdes, France, reproduced with incredible detail. It was fitting that this be so prominently constructed near the front entrance as a nice reminder of the church's namesake. We were blessed to come here to worship with friends, so close to our lodgings. Actually got to talk with many parishioners including some who were born and raised on Oahu but relocated here. Hope to be back soon. Highly recommended if you are visiting locally and are searching for a church and need to attend Mass. Mahalo for making us feel welcome and mahalo to you for reading my review. Pax et Bonum.

I was visiting and decided to go to Sunday service here. I was welcomed and everyone was so warm…read more There were 11 people on stage with such interesting instruments, I loved the vibes they gave to some of the songs. The message was great and I'm so thankful I went. I will return for sure the next time I'm Kauai.

Friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Everyone seemed happy to be there. We enjoyed our visit and will be…read moreback the next time we are on Kauai

Even though we did not have the opportunity to attend mass at this Catholic church, my wife and I…read morewere able to admire the grounds and have a moment of prayer inside the chapel, while visiting the south side of Kauai. Located in Kalaheo, Holy Cross Catholic Church was founded in 1909. It is part of the diocese of Honolulu, and is one of nine catholic churches on Kauai. There is a cemetery adjacent. Also outside, is a prominent Calvary, more prevalent in European catholic churches. The building is modern, with modern siding and windows. Inside, there is a tile slab baptismal pool, with movable chairs as pews. One area had vigil candles (really LED lights) where one could remember and pray for the dead. Next to it was a Marian shrine with Madonna and Child.

This Kauai church was established in 1909 by Portuguese, Puerto Rican, and German plantation…read moreworkers and their ohana. The present structure dates from 1936. Originally intended to be built from stone, wood won out in the end due to budget constraints. This parish has had some tough times including wind damage, a rectory fire in 1990 that destroyed all records from 1990-1945, and an electric fire in the sanctuary that required major renovation in 2009. When we arrived on a late Sunday afternoon, the church was closed so we stopped off and viewed the different surroundings, making a note to return again for Mass. I've heard that a local sculpture of the Last Supper adorns the front piece of the altar (interested in viewing that). Will try to make a return visit soon. Mahalo for reading my review.

Friendly older congregation with beautiful facilities and traditional music that welcomes visitors…read more Not a large church but very welcoming. Great atmosphere. Worth visiting.

Fun, casual, and touching service and ... I know this is not a restaurant review, but they serve…read moreFOOD and COFFEE during service! Cinnamon buns and chips with homemade guacamole! Holy guacamole! Pastor Clyde's sermon was from the heart and the fellowship after service was very nice. Easy to get to, right on the highway before Princeville Shopping Center.

Five stars. Visited in June 2013, for the Obon dance. One of the first Obon of the season on Kauai…read more Such a nice and relaxing atmosphere. Really enjoyed the dance and especially the food! The elusive flying saucer (UFO) was sold here. Not too many Obons on Oahu had them this year. Hard to come by nowadays. I highly recommend coming to this Obon dance in 2014. Enjoy!

While visiting the island, my sister and I were looking for a church to worship on Sunday. I read…read moresome reviews about this church and decided to attend the 9am worship service. Being African-American, we were not sure of how we were going to be received, but we were warmly welcomed. The music and the sermon were great. I look forward to attending again when I return next year.

Vibrant congregation that is racially diverse reflecting Kauai. Very welcoming to visitors. Upbeat,…read morefun worship service. Lots of midweek activities beyond the Sunday morning worship service.