General Information
Papaikou Hongwanji Mission is a Jodo Shinshu (Shin Buddhist) temple in Papaikou, just north of Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island. Everyone is welcome to join our services, hear the Dharma, and take part in our activities.
We are one of 31 temples of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, 12 of them on Hawaiʻi Island. Our head temple is the Hongwanji (Nishi Hongwanji) in Kyoto, Japan.
ESTABLISHED 1909
Our History
Papaikou Hongwanji Mission was established in 1909, during Hawaiʻi’s sugar plantation era. Japanese immigrants who came to work on the plantations brought with them the teachings and traditions of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. They sought a place to gather, find spiritual support, and pass on these traditions to future generations.
The temple became a center of community life in Papaikou, where families gathered for services, memorial observances, and activities. The Buddhist Women’s Association, established in 1910, also played an important role in the temple’s history.
In March 2010, the temple celebrated a century of service, honoring the generations whose dedication had sustained it. Today, Papaikou Hongwanji remains a place to hear the Buddha’s teachings, share the Nembutsu, and build community, guided by the Buddha Dharma.
Ministers
Papaikou Hongwanji is served by ministers from Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin.
Rimban Kazunori Takahashi
Rimban (Chief Minister)
Rev. Blayne Nakasone Sakata
Associate Minister
2027–2029
Temple Officers
Officers, auditors and directors. Appointments are pending official confirmation.
Alvin Yoshimoto
President
Helen Shirota-Benevides
Past President
May Navarro
Secretary
Tilden Jio
Treasurer
Diane Kunimoto
Corresponding Secretary
Lucille Takemoto
Auditor
Richard Mitsutani
Auditor
Newton Inouye
Director
Lili Lambeth
Director
Ken Okimoto
Director
Judy Yoshimoto
Director
