The H?m?kua Jodo Mission in P??auhau Mauka was established in 1896, making it the first sanctioned Buddhist temple in Hawai?i. It was built by and for the plantation community, at a time when families were putting down roots in H?m?kua and creating spaces to practice their traditions, care for one another, and stay connected to home.

The temple sits above the coast, surrounded by one of the oldest Buddhist cemeteries on Hawai?i Island. Generations of families are laid to rest here. Many of the headstones date back to the early plantation era, carrying names, stories, and histories that are still part of our community today.

Like many places in rural Hawai?i, the temple has weathered time, storms, and change. What remains is a place that still matters. It is visited for remembrance, for connection, and for quiet moments that tie people back to family and place.

Proceeds from this shirt go toward the ongoing care of the temple grounds and cemetery, including basic maintenance, preservation work, and keeping the area accessible and respected.

When you wear this shirt, you?re helping keep that work going.

Mahalo for supporting the H?m?kua Jodo Mission.