Kauai's Hindu Monastery
Kauai's Hindu Monastery
4.6
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.6
464 reviews
Excellent
335
Very good
98
Average
23
Poor
5
Terrible
4
ORMum
Lake Oswego, OR152 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The Hindu monastery and Kadavul Temple is a beautiful and serene place very close to the Kapaa beach and Lihue airport area. You have to make a reservation if you want to attend the 9am morning services/puja. The area around the monastery and temple are beautiful and serene. After the 9am services, we were able to get a tour of the new temple which is simply beautiful. There are beautiful gardens and a waterfall that all add to the serene and peaceful feeling here. There is also a gift shop that sells rudraskha beads in addition to many other items.
Written March 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cliff I
Santa Ana, CA9 contributions
Oct 2021
This is not a tourist destination so much as a deliberate choice to be within a working monastery where beauty and reflection reward you deeply. Not to be rushed but truly savored. It is wise to submit a request to sit/meditate in the small temple in the last hour the grounds are open to the public each day. You will be amply rewarded in quietude.
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
irawine
Benicia, CA634 contributions
Oct 2022
My wife and I enjoyed our experience at the Hindu Monastery. We made advanced reservations to attend the puja, which we found very interesting. We then spent a considerable amount of time viewing the flora, statues, and surrounding area. It was a very worthwhile experience.
Written November 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ramya Rao P
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Family
Namaste!! We visited the temple today and were threatened in an extremely dangerous, racially-motivated manner. On our way out of the temple, my cousin went to use the bathroom. He was told that he was trespassing and immediately turned back to avoid doing so. As he was leaving, the worker who had told him to leave called him racial slurs. When he turned back, the worker screamed violently at him and brandished his tools aggressively in his direction. I heard the screaming and called my uncle over. When he and my cousin returned to request an explanation for his behavior, he did not let them speak, but continued to scream and brandish his weapon violently. He also behaved this way to my other cousin.
We then approached the staff member (a short-haired, shorter elderly Caucasian woman) who had been directing people in and out of the main temple. She refused to acknowledge what had happened and laughed (literally) when we mentioned the racist behavior. She walked off instead of answering our questions about what more could be done.
Until then, we had been having a wonderful time at the monastery. As devout Hindus, we worshipped at the temple and visited the beautiful grounds. We even bought multiple items at the gift shop and donated. Instead of leaving with these feelings, we are traumatized by our treatment by the worked and the refusal of the staff member to hear our concerns or take any responsibility.
We hope the temple will look into this situation and make sure no one else faces what we did. At the very least, we would like an apology from the worker and staff member. We will also be returning the items we purchased at the gift shop (they are wonderful, but we cannot disassociate them from what happened).
Thank you,
Ramya
We then approached the staff member (a short-haired, shorter elderly Caucasian woman) who had been directing people in and out of the main temple. She refused to acknowledge what had happened and laughed (literally) when we mentioned the racist behavior. She walked off instead of answering our questions about what more could be done.
Until then, we had been having a wonderful time at the monastery. As devout Hindus, we worshipped at the temple and visited the beautiful grounds. We even bought multiple items at the gift shop and donated. Instead of leaving with these feelings, we are traumatized by our treatment by the worked and the refusal of the staff member to hear our concerns or take any responsibility.
We hope the temple will look into this situation and make sure no one else faces what we did. At the very least, we would like an apology from the worker and staff member. We will also be returning the items we purchased at the gift shop (they are wonderful, but we cannot disassociate them from what happened).
Thank you,
Ramya
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NJCricketer
NJ499 contributions
Jan 2023
Have been following developments at the temple since the early 2000s. It must be a real challenge to build things, getting the material all the way from India and the devotees are hard working as well. Yet, this seems like an endless project and it is difficult to see it completed in someone's lifetime - something one would like and is used to seeing at other places. But one has to accept it for what it is and the progress that is being made. Lovely place - worth visiting and getting to know the culture and supporting the place thru donations.
Written February 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jignesh S
Milpitas, CA10 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
A Spiritual place to mediate, to unwind and to relax.
We found a monk in the forest of Rudraksha and chatted
with him on history of Monastery.
To pray and worship in the temple of Monastery take a reservation at least
two weeks before the visit.
We found a monk in the forest of Rudraksha and chatted
with him on history of Monastery.
To pray and worship in the temple of Monastery take a reservation at least
two weeks before the visit.
Written August 16, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vacationer2Maine
Atlanta, GA1,610 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We had heard of this monastery from our audio guide and were eager to visit. We knew we had to be dressed appropriately (no shorts, no shoes, covered up) and came prepared. There was a good group of other interested visitors but it was not too crowded. There was a sign asking for no photos but it was confusing as to what that applied to, as several folks had their cameras out, taking pictures of the beautiful view. (So yes, I took a few too - but I did NOT photo anyone or photo the temple itself). We were invited into the temple to sit quietly and that was a very peaceful twenty minutes of time spent being quiet with others. I would recommend this if not just to see how others believe and live.
Written January 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VinaM154
Fairfield, IA9 contributions
May 2022
We made an appt to be able to enter the temple, which is lovely and serene. A great place to meditate. And then give yourself time to tour the beautiful grounds, see the overlook of the Wialua River Falls, visit the gift shop and pick up some special momentos.
Written June 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shashank V
1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Family
A worker on the premises threatend me with a sharp tool and called me various racial slurs. When I reported this to a staff member (older Caucasian lady), she refused to acknowledge my experience and laughed off these allegations of racism. When I queried who else I could complain to, she did not answer and ran away.
We have been left traumatized and will not be returning.
We have been left traumatized and will not be returning.
Written June 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
guluchadha
Mississauga, Canada18 contributions
Feb 2019
It is a Monastery practising Hinduism but all the monks residing there are non Indians and not born as Hindus. Ritualistic worship of Lord Shiva is performed by resident monks 24 hrs/ 7 days a week. Open to public only 3 hours in the morning. A new big temple is under construction for the last several years..
They have planted on the property trees bearing Rudrakasak beads which are very rare. A must visit place for the faithful
They have planted on the property trees bearing Rudrakasak beads which are very rare. A must visit place for the faithful
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Do you have to pay for a tour or can you just walk around on your own? I’ve read that parking was an issue, if we arrive early will we be ok?
Written May 1, 2019
No charge for the tour, but there is an opportunity to donate. Parking is very limited. They ask that you either reserve parking well in advance or take a taxi/Uber/Lyft.
Written May 4, 2019
I am on a pilgrimage to visit temples at various parts of the world. Kauai is in my list -I have read the pleasurable Hinduism Today for years
I am reaching on 270818 and leavingon 280818.
Where is tha place (an Airbnb)where I can stay-closest to the monastery?
Can I book directly from Malaysia?
Thank you and God Bless!
tel ; 6016 6264505
Written August 7, 2018
I just looked up hotels located close to the Hindu Monastery and the nearest hotel listed is Hilton Garden Inn in Wailua Bay which is 3.9 miles away. Other than that, all hotels located in Kapaa, Kauai are 4.4 miles away, and those are the closest. We stayed in Kapaa. So, I guess any hotel in Kapaa would be a good location.
Written August 7, 2018
I forgot to pack long pants. Will they provide sarong to cover up?
Written August 1, 2018
Yes, there is several places to grab a sarong, but they were in such high demand when I was there we had to wait until someone was finished with their visit.
Written August 3, 2018
Does the Hindu Monastery tour in Kauai involve a long walk? My brother wears a leg brace and cannot take long walks.
Also, how do I contact them to make a reservation?
Written February 7, 2018
It won't take real long walk... moderate walk to get to temple..and in-between you get benches to rest if needed.
Written February 8, 2018
Hi! everybody!
We plan to visit the island of Kauai on November 30 and Dec. 01 this year by cruise ship and would be landing on port of Nawiliwili. We would appreciate to know, from you all who have been fortunate to visit this Temple and the monastery.
Which is the best way to visit this from the port?
How far is this from the port?
What is the best time to visit so that we can attend Aarti ceremony and catch the 'tour' - if that can be said so - to know this place well.
Any more helpful info. will also be highly appreciated. We'll be the family of four visiting all the way from NY and would like to make this visit a memorable one.
Thank you, all.
- Dilip Desai.
Written October 8, 2017
Namiste fellow travelers. The monastery is quite worth the time and effort. There are no tours in December so you may just be able to slide in on the last tour of the year! There is the link for cruise ship passengers provided by the monastery; himalayanacademy com/visit/cruise-passengers. I am not sure you will be able to make the 9am start tour start time. The drive is very pleasant from the port along the water and you will need advance reservations to park (free) so call the monastery and get your slot after you have reserved your rental car. Enjoy your visit, follow their clothing suggestions and bring bug spray! The mosquitoes are right at the entrance where you wait for the monk who will be giving the tour and there is no escaping them!
Written October 9, 2017
sri rama krishn... g
Seattle, Washington
Is there a Air port to visit Kauai and Hindu Monastery and lord Siva Temple ? More about Siva Lingam . About to stay in Kauai for one or two days.
Written November 4, 2015
The Siva Lingam is truly noteworthy and the attending priest is from Malaysia and speak good Tamil.
Written November 6, 2015
The monastery is open for day visits to the public only. You can go for the morning puja, about 2 hours and then tour the grounds, beautiful gardens and temples and visit the gift shop. There are guided yours certain days of the week. Look at their website for details.
Written October 26, 2015
Hi Patricia,
The following text is from the Monastery's site:
If you are coming to Kauai on a cruise ship and would like to visit the monastery and temple, the following information will be helpful. It will be best to email us in advance to help facilitate your visit.
DAILY TIMING
There are two temples at our monastery, the small Siva Nataraja temple called Kadavul Temple and the new, all stone Iraivan Temple which is still under construction.
Kadavul Siva Temple is open daily between 9am and 12 noon for puja worship, and after 10:30am for exploring.
During its construction, Iraivan temple is open to visitors who have made reservations for a guided tour, which starts sharp at 9am. See our Public Tour page for details.
The monastery is closed after noon and all afternoon to tourist visitors.
So make sure you plan to visit us first! Do your shopping and local sight-seeing after you come the temple. Remember: 9am to 12pm each morning.
TRAVEL AND VISIT TIME GUIDELINE
You should plan for at least 1/2 hour travel to the monastery and 1/2 to get back to the boat if you are going by taxi. If you are renting a car, you will need to add time for pick up and return.
It will be best to have at least 1 hour here. Therefore you should allow at least 2 1/2 hours if the temple is your only stop. If the boat departs late in the afternoon, come to the temple first and do your sight-seeing second.
TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Car Rental: Car rentals are done near the airport, which is a 10-minute drive from the dock. This is your least expensive option. The car rental companies have shuttles that you can take from the dock to pick up your car.
Taxi: You may hire a taxi bring you to the monastery and then call a taxi, or arrange for one to return and take you back to the boat at a pre-arranged time. This can be a good option if you plan to be here all morning (arriving at 9 am and staying until 12 noon) Taxis charge about $40.00 each way.
Hire a driver: Most cab companies offer a rates for longer periods, e.g. 4-8 hours at about $60.00 an hour. If you can afford this, it is a convenient way to first come to the temple, have the driver wait, then have him take you sight-seeing and shopping. The drivers are very familiar with the area.
Kauai Bus Services: Kauai's bus service does not come to the temple. But it may be an inexpensive option for visiting other places on the public bus route.
Enjoy your trip! I hope to hear about your experience at the Monastery.
Respectfully,
Sandra
Written February 10, 2015
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