Hawaii is beautiful, photogenic, awesome and each island is different. The Big Island is the largest of the archipelago and offers a total of 11 different ecosystems. You will find everything from snow, to the hot lava here. Enjoy our five tips on places that would not miss, when travel to Big Island.
Hawaii is a place, where always different cultures and religions met together therefore You can find many churches and temples in Oahu. I personally prefer the most Byodo-In Temple, which is a miniature replica of the same name temple of Japanese town Uji. What will you find there?
The temple was opened to the public June 7, 1968 on the centenary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaii. It is a replica of a Zen Buddhist temple from Japan but It is not a practicing temple. You cannot meet the Buddhist monks praying there any more but It is often used for wedding ceremonies.
If you set out from Honolulu, it is best to use the road no. 63, which is called Likelike highway. Alternatively, you can also go on the road H3 or Pali Highway. After crossing the mountains turn to road no. 83 and go north. At the beginning of the town Ahuimanu is located place called Valley of the Temples, which is primarily a cemetery complex. Byodo-In temple is located at the end of complex.
Parking is free at the temple, and if you arrive in the morning, you will not have a problem to park. Temple is currently open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. I highly recommend you arrive early in the morning. Official opening hours are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. so it may happen that you have to wait a bit but typically not.
The temple is a popular tourist stop, and during the day there is a lot of people. Before visiting, check the Web www.byodo-in.com whether the church is closed due to a wedding, for example.
Admission for one adult are symbolic $3.
The temple itself is surrounded by a lake, in which is beautifully reflected. temple is well lighted by sun early morning and if you are lucky to have good weather, directly behind the temple towering green mountains. In the garden you will find a temple pond with running water, and there are a number of tropical plants. Inside the temple, waiting golden statue of a sitting Buddha. There is a lovely bell in the garden and meditation gazebo.
The lake has a large number of koi carp and gardens can meet peacocks, black swans, or even turtles.
Overall, on a tour and photo shoot Count about an hour.
Temple Byodo-In has a very calming effect and you will feel good. Unlike many other temples and churches on the island are neither pompous. If you want to enjoy a bit of pomposity, and crudeness, then go to the Laie Hawaii Temple.
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Iceland is a magical, incredibly diverse, tough, compelling and photogenic country. Country becomes very popular destinations In recent years. Volcanoes, wilderness, waterfalls, beautiful coastline, glacial lakes and much more allure tourist worldwide. The Iceland, however, has its specific features:
The Icelandic weather is notoriously unpredictable. Changes frequently, is difficult to estimate and can really surprise you. Winters are surprisingly warm in many places with no snow. And the summer on the contrary can sometimes annoy cold, windy and rainy weather. Be prepared for anything!
Because of the warm currents in the North and the glaciers in southern the Iceland’s weather on this island is reversed. The South is cooler and drier, warmer and wetter is North. Especially when traveling in winter it is good to remember this fact.
Although officially the island is inhabited by less than half a million people, mostly living in Reykjavik, many places especially in the summer are full of crowds. The tourists are the reason of course. Especially the so-called golden triangle in the Southwest (Thingalavatn, Gullfoss, Blue Lagoon) is literally overcrowded. The farther from Reykjavik, the deeper into the inland, the less people you meet. Nowadays the Iceland can offer the deserted wasteland, but the Blue Lagoon is literally head to head.
The flights to the Iceland are usually expensive, complicated, and they are few. This is especially true in the summer season. However, if you manage to sort out inexpensive off-season ticket for example with local WOW Air so the return ticket from Europe can be around EUR120 and from US around $200.
The Iceland is one of the few countries in the world where you really do not need a local cash. Virtually everything and everywhere can by paid by credit card. Even the entrance to the restroom, parking and retail purchases at the farmers’ market. Conversely, a number of unmanned petrol stations offers the credit card payment only.
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