Churches & Places of Worship near Hanapepe, HI

“We visited the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Hanapepe. I was absolutely ecstatic about finding a dress made with hanafuda fabric. I believe it was handmade. I found some other Hawaiian/Asian outfits and we found the much sought after butter keeper for our condo (see Midnight Bear Bread review). I also found some fun Hawaiian style polo shirts for my hubby (who couldn't make this trip), including a Kauai Bus (moisture wicking) and a Firefighter's polo shirt. I was very happy and then ... their tags were the color of the day, so they were on SALE! WOOT! Awesome visit! NOTE: I tried visiting the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Lihue. The gate said that they were open. The door was unlocked, but had a closed sign ... maybe they forgot to flip it? The voice from inside said that they were closed and to come back tomorrow. Awkward, especially since I was leaving that day. The Lihue Salvation Army Thrift Store would not get 5-stars.”

“We didn't make time to connect with the locals much on our first visit, mostly because we're on our honeymoon, but it definitely seems like a solid community; possibly one of the most vibrant churches on the island. We'll be back for sure.”

“A few times in life, the stars align and you are whisked off to a magical place. That was the case when I was invited along to the Lawai International Center last Sunday. The center is only open 2 Sundays a month and reservations are required. We arrived a little early and were given some jasmine tea and some manju. Before we were allowed up on the hillside, we listened to Lynn explain the history, her hands and body moving, swaying with her words, like she was meditating or doing tai chi as she spoke. It was a fascinating history, the site once a Hawaiian heiau, Taoist temple, Shinto shrine, and Buddhist temple. A hundred years ago or so, Japanese immigrants recreated 88 small shrines like the 88 Shikoku Temple shrines and the site was only remembered by a little old Japanese lady. When her sons went off to WWII, she came and gathered a little soil from each of the small shrines and put them in a little bag for her sons to carry. And they returned from the war alive. Although the site became overgrown with weeds and trees, the Japanese woman continued to come until others came and helped to uncover, tend, and rebuild. It's a wonderful testament to the power of the place and the dedication of Lynn and her volunteers. Before heading up the hill, you are given a walking stick and asked not to talk once you are on the hillside., First stop is the Hall of Compassion, built without nails in the style of 13th century temple builders. Then up the hill you walk to visit each small shrines. Orchids abound. It is truly a mystical place.NOTE: at the base of the hill is the portable toilet- the most deluxe one I've ever seen. As well as some goats and a friendly donkey.”