The Waipahu Soto Zen Temple, Taiyoji, was founded by the Reverend Senei Kawahara, of Hiroshima, Japan, in 1903 in Waipahu, Hawaii under orders from the Soto Zen Administrative Headquarters (Shumu-cho) in Japan. Together with the Kauai Zenshuji Soto Zen Temple, Waipahu Taiyoji is recognized as one of the first two Soto Zen temples established in the State of Hawaii which marked the beginning of Soto Zen propagation in Hawaii. During its one-hundred year history, Waipahu Taiyoji has rebuilt its temple three times, relocating from the plantation camp to its present site in 1972. The present resident minister, the Reverend Ryokei Ishii is its 16th resident minister. (2018~ present)
The affiliated organizations of the Waipahu Taiyoji are as follows: Board of Directors, Fujinkai (Women's Association), Baika-ko Goeika Group, and Zazen Group. Annual observances are: New Year's Service (Shusho-E), Dogen Zenji's Birthday, Nehan-E (Pari-Nirvana Day – Anniversary of Buddha's Passing), Spring O-Higan, Hanamatsuri (Buddha's Birthday), Memorial Day Service, O-Bon Service and Bon Dance, Autumn O-Higan and Ryoso-ki, Daruma-ki, Eitaikyo, Keizan Zenji's Birthday, Rohatsu Sesshin, Jodo-E (Buddha's Enlightenment Day), and Joya-no-Kane. Fujinkai Craft
Sewing Club (2x/month)
Baika-ko (Singing with bell)
Nihon-Go Circle
Okinawa Sanshin
Yoga (3x/month)
Eisa (Seasonal: Apr & May)
Okinawa Buyo
Taiyoji Taiko (3x/month)
Bon Dance Practice (1x/month)
Zazen Session
