North Shore News66-469 Paalaa Road
Established in 1918 by Rev. Gido Ikeda, the Hale’iwa Shingon Mission is based upon the principles of Shingon Mikkyo Buddhism, founded by Kobo Daishi in Koya-san, Japan, in 816. Members of the congregation built the temple under the direction of Rev. Kogon Kawamura, led by contractor Tomitaro Konno, and held its dedication in 1925.
Rev. Taiken Akiyama, the 9th minister of the Hale’iwa Shingon Mission, has served since 1958. Under his leadership, the temple was renovated and enlarged and is open to anyone regardless of race or religion. Also during his tenure, the adjacent Hale’iwa Senior Citizen Center was constructed for the community and dedicated in 1982. Operated as a nonprofit, the center provides housing for lowincome seniors.