The Lahaina Jodo Mission was founded in 1912 with the support of many Japanese immigrants then working in the sugar and pineapple plantations. After the original temple was destroyed in a fire in 1968, the members of the Mission decided to build a Japanese style Buddhist temple on the beachfront property that provided an idyllic setting. The temple is located on Puunoa Point in Lahaina, the first capital of the Hawaiian Islands, and overlooks the beauty and serenity of three neighboring islands Molokai, Lanai, and Kahoolawe and the West Maui mountains.

The Great Buddha and the Temple Bell were completed in June 1968 to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of the first Japanese immigrants to arrive in Hawaii. In 1970, the main Temple and Pagoda were built with the generous and wholehearted support of the members of the Mission as well as the general public. Masao Omori, a Japanese philanthropist, donated the expertise of Japanese craftsmen that was necessary for the construction of the buildings and the casting of the Buddha.

The present temple grounds have been dedicated to all our ancestors who have passed away. We are indebted to the entire Jodo Mission family throughout the State of Hawai'i, and to our friends who have supported our Mission over the years. It is our hope that visitors of all faiths who visit our temple grounds will develop a greater understanding and appreciation of Buddhism.

The property is owned by the Lahaina Jodo Mission. Maintenance and improvement of the premises are dependent on voluntary contributions.