HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-8-24 Kona Koyasan Temple Register Nomination NPS ForM 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 expiration date 03/31/2026
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United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
This form is for use in nominating or requesting determinations for individual properties and districts. See instructions in National Register Bulletin,
How to Complete the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. If any Item does not apply to the property being documented, enter
"N/A" for "not applicable." For functions, architectural classification, Materials, and areas of significance, enter only categories and subcategories
from the instructions.
1. Name of Property
Historic name: Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission
Other names/site number: __7-6-004:047 (Hōlualoa Koboji -historic name)_
Name of related Multiple property listing:
_88 Sacred Places Monument
Site Number: 7-6-0094:003
(Enter "N/A" if property is not part of a Multiple property listing
2. Location
Street & number 76-5945 “A” Māmalahoa Highway and 76-5945 Māmalahoa
Highway
City or town: Hōlualoa State: Hawai`i County: Hawai`i
Not For Publication: Vicinity:
______________________________________________________________________
______
3. State/Federal Agency Certification
As the designated authority under the National Historic Preservation Act, as
amended,
I hereby certify that this ___ request for determination of eligibility meets the
documentation standards for registering properties in the National Register of
Historic Places and meets the procedural and professional requirements set forth in
36 CFR Part 60.
In my opinion, the property ___ meets ___ does not meet the National Register
Criteria. I recommend that this property be considered significant at the following
level(s) of significance:
___national __statewide ___local
Applicable National Register Criteria:
___A ___B ___C ___D
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 1-6 page 2
Signature of certifying official/Title: Date
______________________________________________
State or Federal agency/bureau or Tribal Government
In my opinion, the property meets does not meet the National
Register criteria.
Signature of commenting official: Date
Title : State or Federal
agency/bureau
or Tribal government
______________________________________________________________________
________
4. National Park Service Certification
I hereby certify that this property is:
entered in the National Register
determined eligible for the National Register
determined not eligible for the National Register
removed from the National Register
other (explain:) _____________________
________________________________________________________________
______
Signature of the Keeper Date of Action
______________________________________________________________________
______
5. Classification
Ownership of Property
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form
NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 1-6 page 3
(Check as many boxes as apply.)
Private:
Public – Local
Public – State
Public – Federal
Category of Property
(Check only one box.)
Number of Resources within Property
(Do not include previously listed resources in the count)
Contributing Non-Contributing
2 Temple (Sanctuary and
Multipurpose room) and
Parsonage
Buildings
1 Original Temple Sites
1 Remaining Shrine 1 Columbarium Structures
1 Cemetery with graves Object
1 88 Sacred Places
Monument
Object
5 2 Total
Number of contributing resources previously listed in the National Register 0
x
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 1-6 page 4
Figure 1: Resources included in the nomination
Function or Use Historic Functions
(Enter categories from instructions.)
Historic Function
Religious facility-Temple
Current Functions
(Enter categories from instructions.)
Religious facility-Temple
Other-Monument
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 5
_____________________________________________________________________________
6. Description
Architectural Classification
(Enter categories from instructions.)
Other-Building
Other- Monument
Materials: (enter categories from instructions.)
Principal exterior materials of the property:
Temple Building
Foundation: Concrete base, post on pier, and decorative lava rock skirt
Framing: Wood
Walls: Tongue-and-groove cedar wood
Roof: Corrugated metal “toton”
Personage
Foundation: Post on pier
Framing: Wood
Walls: Tongue-and-groove cedar wood
Roof: Corrugated metal “toton”
Remaining Shrine
Foundation: Concrete
Framing: Wood
Walls: Tongue-and-groove cedar wood
Roof: Corrugated metal “toton”
Cemetery
3 Gravestones
Columbarium
Foundation: Concrete
Walls: CMU blocks
Roof Framing: Wood
Roof: Corrugated metal “toton”
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 6
Monument
Structural framing: Iron bars
Lava rock
Crushed coral and plaster coating
Narrative Description
Describe the historic and current physical appearance and condition of the property.
Describe contributing and noncontributing resources if applicable. Begin with a
summary paragraph that briefly describes the general characteristics of the property,
such as its location, type, style, method of construction, setting, size, and significant
features. Indicate whether the property has historic integrity.)
______________________________________________________________________
________
Summary Paragraph
Kona District Hawaiian Language Directional Terms:
Makai (west, toward the ocean)
Mauka (east, uphill toward the Mountain)
Waimea (north)
Miloli`i (south)
The Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission and 88 Sacred Places Monument are
located on the western slope of Hualālai Volcano on the Big Island of Hawai`i, mauka of
the village of Hōlualoa, Hawai`i at 1400 feet elevation. The Mission is situated on Tax
Map Key (TMK) number (3) 7-6-004: 047. It is an irregular, pentagon-shaped parcel that
slopes slightly west down (makai) towards the sea, and north at the back of the lot. The
Mission represents design and construction methods used in Hawai`i in the 1900’s.
They include the unique “Plantation Style” architecture that developed during this
period.
The Mission lies at elevations ranging from 1,350 to 1,450 feet above sea level on a
5,000- to 10,000-year-old Hualalai lava flow surrounded TMK (3) 7-6-004:003, an
irregularly shaped 2.77-acre parcel with a “dog-leg” right-of-way extending from mauka
to makai. Access to the Mission is via a the “dog leg” right-of-way.
The Monument stands at the intersection of the right-of-way and Māmalahoa
Highway. It represents the community's ingenuity in constructing a monument marker
from local materials. It marks the beginning of the 88 Sacred Places Pilgrimage
associated with the Kona Koyasan Shingon Temple.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 7
There are five contributing resources and two non-contributing resources.
Contributing resources are the Temple with its sanctuary and multipurpose room, the
Parsonage with a covered walkway attached to the rear of the Temple, a Shrine
situated on the mauka side of the Temple building, and a Cemetery, located east behind
the Temple building. Non-contributing elements are a Kitchen and the Columbarium,
erected outside the period of significance, and the site where the original temple
building stood. The Monument is an additional contributing resource for a total of five
contributing resources and two non-contributing resources.
3. Description
The Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission and the Monument are located within
the village of Hōlualoa on the Big Island of Hawai`i, mauka of Māmalahoa Highway. The
Mission is located within Tax Map Key parcel (3) 7-6-004: 047, a 19,109-square-foot,
pentagon-shaped parcel designated Lot D-1-A, accessible via a ROW that crosses
mauka-makai from the highway through an adjacent property.
The Monument is located within TMK (3) 7-6-004:003, an irregular rectangle with a
“dog leg” right of way extending mauka makai. The monument is located at the
intersection of the right of way and Māmalahoa Highway.
Figure 2: TMK: (3) 7-6-004: 047 (red) and TMK (3) 7-6-004:003
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 8
Figure 3: Configuration of Contributing and Non-Contributing Resources on
TMK (3) 7-6-004:047 and :003
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 9
Figure 4: Temple Entrance – Photo shot to north
Contributing Resources
Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Temple Building South-facing façade – main
entry.
The present Temple building was constructed in 1972 by members of the Hōlualoa
Japanese religious community, with Jack Kobayashi as the contractor of record. The
building design is “Plantation Style.” The Temple construction is post-on-pier, single-
wall, girt-banded, and lanai, with a corrugated metal roof (totan). The Multi-purpose
room and Kitchen, seen on the right-hand side of the main Temple building have
concrete foundations.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 10
Figure 5: The letter and invitation to the dedication of the 1972 Temple.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 11
Figure 6: Floor Plan of 1972 Temple including Sanctuary
(Public Seating and Altar Area), Multi-purpose Room and Kitchen
The Temple building is one story, measuring 1120 square feet, with the front entrance
and steps facing a parking lot just north of the access road. It is built of single-wall
construction and surrounded by an attached, but discontinuous 590 square foot lanai
(porch). The Sanctuary, located within the temple just behind the front doors, includes
both public seating and altar platform areas. The Multipurpose Room is a large central
space with seating for gatherings; it provides access between the front lanai and the
Kitchen. The Kitchen has cooking equipment for large group events.
The Temple building and the interior floor plan are unaltered, and its design, materials,
workmanship, feeling, and association remain consistent with their original construction.
It has been maintained and remains in its original location
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 12
Descriptions of the Temple Building’s walls follow the building’s perimeter drawn in the
floor plan above and are described in the following order: starting with the south-facing
wall of the sanctuary, then the sanctuary’s east-facing wall, the south-facing wall of the
multipurpose room, the east-facing wall of the multipurpose room, the north-facing wall
extending east-west across the multipurpose room and the sanctuary’s north wall, and
sanctuary’s the west-facing wall.
Temple Building--South Façade of the Sanctuary
The south facade of the building appears more substantial than it is due to the
employment of a lava rock skirt, extensive lanai, and projecting eaves.
The Temple Building is accessed by five concrete steps flanked by two round wood
columns and decorative railings. The stairs lead to a lanai which is 4’6” wide and
constructed of plywood decking painted brown. A decorative railing is constructed with
tongue-and-groove vertical boards topped with a vertical 7” board with 5” round cut out
holes and is connected to the lanai flooring. The railing is 36” tall. Directly across from
the steps is a double sliding glass pocket door opening into the Temple’s Sanctuary.
The door is set in the center of the south-facing wall. The wall is constructed using
single-wall vertical tongue-and-groove cedar boards with a girt banding. The girt is 2 ½
x ¾” SPF banding attached to the wall 63” above the floor providing lateral support for
the temple walls. It is painted warm yellow. The lanai ceiling is also constructed of
tongue-and-groove cedar wood paneling. A gable with a corrugated metal [totan] roof
covers the steps, the lanai and the building. An extension of the roof overhangs the
lanai, creating an eave with a gutter. The gable is adorned with two black decorative
ornamental discs. They are Japanese emblems used to identify an individual, family, or
institution. The Mon on the right is the Tomoe, a three-sided comma insignia. The Mon
on the left is a stylized Paulownia flower.
Temple Building -East-facing façade of the Sanctuary
The prominent feature on this side is a large window with three ganged glass
jalousie units. At the north end of this wall is a hinged hollow-core, wood slab door that
provides access to the Sanctuary. The Lanai extends north-south along this side of the
façade. An extension of the roof overhangs the lanai creating an eave with a gutter.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 13
Figure 7: East façade of the Sanctuary. Photo shot to west
Temple Building – South-facing Façade of the Multi-purpose Room
The south-facing façade of the Multipurpose room has a wood door opening into the
room and a large glass jalousie window set in the south-facing wall. A lanai extends
east-west along the wall. A concrete ramp extends from the lanai floor, sloping down to
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 14
ground level. A second north-south concrete ramp perpendicular to the east-west ramp
slopes down from the lanai floor to ground level. Decorative railings made of framed
tongue-and-groove infill panels are attached to each ramp. The ceiling is paneled with
tongue-and-groove cedar. An extension of the roof overhangs the lanai, creating an
eave, to which a gutter is affixed along its length.
Figure 8: Multipurpose Room south façade. Photo shot to north.
Temple Building- East-facing Façade of the Multipurpose Room
The east side of the Multipurpose room has been subdivided providing a shared
interior wall between the Multipurpose room and Toilet rooms. The exterior wall of the
Toilet rooms is the east-facing façade. Along this wall, two narrow doors open into the
Toilet rooms. Each room has glass jalousie windows. A lanai extends north-south along
the Toilet room wall. At the north end of the lanai, perpendicular to the Toilet rooms, is
narrow wall with a door into an interior 4’x4’ shower room, with a single glass jalousie
window. An extension of the roof overhangs the lanai, creating an eave with a gutter.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 15
Figure 9: Multipurpose Room east façade showing toilet rooms.
Photo shot to north-west.
Temple Building – North-facing Façade
The north-facing façade is a shared wall extending east-west along the Multipurpose
room and the Sanctuary’s north wall. The wall does not have a girt. The wall section
behind the Sanctuary has two amber-colored louvered glass jalousie windows located
on either side of an altar located at the north end of the Sanctuary room. There are four
jalousie windows in the wall section extending along the Multipurpose room. A door
from the kitchen opens into the Multipurpose room. A walkway extends east-west along
the north side of the Multipurpose Room section.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 16
The Temple – West-facing Façade of the Sanctuary
The facade has two sections. The northwest section is the wall of a storage closet
and has two jalousie windows. The southwest section has a door opening into the
Sanctuary and three jalousie windows. The lanai and railing extend along the exterior
wall of the Sanctuary.
Figure 10: Temple north façade. Photo shot to south.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 17
The Foundation System
The foundation system on the south, west and north facades consists of wood posts
mounted on concrete blocks, topped with diagonal braces connecting to floor beams.
The foundation on the east façade is a 6” concrete slab. Mortared lava-rock skirting
wraps around the lanai perimeter in front of Sanctuary. This skirting starts at the
southwest (front/makai) corner, extending east along the front of the Sanctuary, and
continues along the Main Hall’s east facing facade, disappearing beneath the concrete
ramp.
Figure 11: Temple west facade. Photo shot to northeast.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 18
The Parsonage
Figure 12: Parsonage. Photo shot to the northeast.
A three-bedroom, one-bath 1049 sq. ft. Parsonage built in 1975 is located north
of the Temple Building. It is also built in the “Plantation Style” architecture, using vertical
tongue-and-groove single-wall construction mounted on a post-and-pier, capped by a
hipped corrugated metal toton roof with an overhang supported by wooden trusses. The
Parsonage’s windows are irregularly shaped aluminum-framed glass. Horizonal wood
plank skirting obscures the foundation on the building’s south and east sides.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 19
The Shrine
Figure 13: The Shrine. Photo shot to east.
East (mauka) of the Temple Building rests the only remaining shrine of the
original 88 Sacred Places Pilgrimage, constructed in 1925. It is a small, single-wall
wooden building with a hipped sheet-metal roof topped by a decorative cast finial built
on a square 9” tall concrete pad.
The structure measures 6’ on each side. The walls are made from vertical
tongue-and-groove boards fastened to a 2” x 4” base sill. The roof assembly consists of
a central hub of eight joined 2” x 3” rafters radiating outward to rest on the top plate.
Each corner rafter supports two small jack rafters, for a total of 16 rafter tails. The facia
board is 1” x 3”. The hipped toton roof overhangs the fascia by 2”.
The entry is 6’ x 34” with two 6’ x 17” decorative hinged doors with a solid panel
inset on the lower half and a Kumiko (or lattice) on the upper half. Inside the shrine is a
two-tiered display shelf across the back wall. Currently in poor condition, the shrine
awaits restoration and is now used for storage. The other 87 shrines were destroyed in
the 1968 flood, and there is no additional information available for this shrine. Temple
members claim that the other “shrines” were placed along the south edge of the right-of-
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 20
way that extends eastward (mauka) from Māmalahoa Highway to the Temple Building
and parking lot and behind the Temple Building.
Cemetery
Situated along the eastern side of the Temple and north of the Columbarium are
three gravestones aligned north to south. The stone at the south end of the row belongs
to the founder and reverend of the mission, Kōdō Takeda (aka MitsujirōTaketa) who
died on April 10, 1935. His obituary in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin read: “The Rev.
Mitsujirō Takeda, 71, founder and priest of the Hōlualoa Koboji, died at his home April
13 after a short illness. Eight priests from different Shingon-shu Temples on the Big
Island officiated at the funeral services held Monday, with interment at the Koboji
Temple grounds. He is survived by the widow, Sono; a son, Yoshio; a grandson,
Yoshiichi; and a granddaughter, Tsuyako.”
Figure 14: Kōdō Takeda (MitsujirōTaketa) 1864-1935. Photo shot to northeast.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 21
North of Takeda’s marker is the grave site belonging to Yoshio Matsuo (1889-1943)
and Ai Matsuo (1896-1962) They were strong supporters of the Mission.
The third headstone is elaborate, featuring a carved Buddha resting on a lotus flower
mounted on a granite cube. It marks the final resting place of Miyo and Umekichi Amizaki.
A lay Minister at the now-defunct Kahalu`u Shingon Mission, the Reverend Amizaki,
passed away in 1964.
Figure 15: Graves of Yoshio Matsuo (1889-1943) and Ai Matsuo (1896-
1962).
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 22
Figure 16: Graves of Miyo and Umekichi Amizaki. Photo shot to northeast.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 23
The Monument
Figure 17: The Monument. A roadside marker for 88 Sacred Place Pilgrimage Path. Photo shot to east.
The Monument was built by the community using materials on hand: lava rock,
iron rods, cement, ground coral, and plaster.
In 1925, Reverend Takeda built a replica of one of the most famous Japanese
pilgrimages, the 750-mile Shingon Shikoku Junrei, a multi-site pilgrimage of 88 temples
association with Kūkai (Kobō Daishi) and located on Shikoku Island, Japan. He built the
Hōlualoa 88 Sacred Places Pilgrimage Path on the Mission’s 3.5-acre property, and it
marks the beginning of the path.
The Kanji inscriptions on the column read:
North: “Built in July, 14th year (1925)”
West: “New Shikoku 88 Sacred Places”
South: “Founded by Kodo Takeda”
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 24
Figure 18: Monument As-Built p.1
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 25
Figure 19: Monument As-Built p. 2
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 26
Figure 20: Monument North side of base and column. Photo shot to south.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 27
Figure 21: Monument North and East side of base.
No inscription is on the east side of the column.
Photo shot to southwest.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 28
Figure 22: Monument South and West corner side of base.
Photo shot to northeast.
Figure 23: Monument North side of column.
“Built in July, Taisho 14th Year (1925)” Photo shot to south.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 29
Figure 24: Monument South side of column.
“Founded by Kodo Takeda” Photo shot to north.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 30
Figure 25: Monument West side of column.
“New Shikoku 88 Sacred Places” Photo shot to east.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 31
Non-contributing Resources
The Kitchen
Figure 26: The Kitchen. Photo shot to northeast.
In 1987, a 480 sq. ft. kitchen was added to the north side of the Temple Building.
The foundation and floor are poured concrete, with walls constructed of concrete
masonry units with windows located on the north wall. There are cabinets and
cupboards, a worktable, and an industrial-sized stainless-steel sink. A door in the east
wall accesses a small cooking area with gas burners.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 32
The Columbarium
A Columbarium built in 1984 houses the cremains of reverends and temple
members. It is 144 square feet with a concrete slab foundation and a floor with square
linoleum tiles. The walls are CMU blocks painted a soft yellow color. The door is solid
wood with engraved designs. The roof is corrugated metal [toton]. A small concrete
porch leads to a wooden entry door with “1984” painted on the lintel above it. Two
Shingon Mon are displayed in the gable above the door. Wood shelving with niches in a
variety of sizes are built into the eastern interior wall. The niches contain cremains,
vessels, religious artifacts and photos of the deceased.
Figure 27: Columbarium. Photo shot to east.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 33
Original Temple Site
The 1925 original Temple site was on a low plateau on the east side of the
parking lot. Nothing remains of this structure.
Figure 28: 1926 Temple building site. Photo shot to east.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 34
7. Statement of Significance
Applicable National Register Criteria
(Mark "x" in one or More boxes for the criteria qualifying the property for National
Register
listing.)
A. Property is associated with events that have made a significant
contribution to the broad patterns of our history.
B. Property is associated with the lives of persons significant in our past.
C. Property embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or
method of construction or represents the work of a master, or possesses
high artistic values, or represents a significant and distinguishable entity
x
x
Figure 29: 1972 County of Hawaii Field Book for the Temple Building, Columbarium and Shrine.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 35
whose components lack individual distinction.
D. Property has yielded, or is likely to yield, information important in
prehistory or history.
Criteria Considerations
(Mark “x” in all the boxes that apply.)
A. Owned by a religious institution or used for religious purposes
B. Removed from its original location
C. A birthplace or grave
D. A cemetery
E. A reconstructed building, object, or structure
F. A commemorative property
G. Less than 50 years old or achieving significance within the past 50 years
Areas of Significance
(Enter categories from instructions.)
ETHNIC HERITAGE: Asian
RELIGION: Shingon Buddhism from Japan
ARCHITECTURE: Single-wall construction Hawai`i “Plantation Style” vernacular
Period of Significance
1925-1976
Significant Dates
1925-Construction of the Shrine, the original Temple Building, and Monument
1935-1964 Construction of the Cemetery
1972-Current Temple Building constructed and dedicated
1975-1976 Construction of Parsonage
x
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Significant Person
(Complete only if Criterion B is Marked above.)
NA
Cultural Affiliation
Japanese-American
Architect/Builder
Jack Kobayshi, Builder
Statement of Significance Summary Paragraph (Provide a summary paragraph that
includes level of significance, applicable criteria, justification for the period of
significance, and any applicable criteria considerations.)
The Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission retains all seven aspects of historic
integrity:
(1) Location. The buildings remain in their original location. (2) Setting. The
buildings are in the historic village of Hōlualoa, which today retains architectural
elements from the 1920s and 1930s, including other commercial and residential
buildings. (3) Design. The historic form, plan, spacing, structure, and style of the
property are intact. The property reflects both the vernacular Plantation Style
architecture and incorporates Japanese architectural features. (4) Materials. The
Temple buildings' composition, including concrete, tongue-and-groove walls, and
corrugated metal or “totan” roofs, have been replaced in kind where necessary. (5)
Workmanship. The builder employed skilled tradespeople specializing in buildings
constructed during the period of significance. (6) Feeling. In terms of original design,
materials, workmanship and setting, these buildings feel like they belong to their
historic era. A visitor would experience the character associated with its historical
importance. (7) Association. The property reflects the determination of the Japanese
immigrants to maintain their cultural identity and religion.
The Monument is an important part of the historic religious site. (1) Location. It
remains in its original site. (2) Setting. The Monument is in the historic village of
Hōlualoa, which today retains architectural elements from the 1920s and 1930s. (3)
Design. The historic form, plan, spacing, structure, and style of the Monument are
intact. (4) Materials. The Monument’s composition, including iron bars, lava rocks,
cement and crushed coral and plaster, has been replaced in kind where necessary.
(5) Workmanship. The builders were locals who constructed it during the period of
significance. (6) Feeling. In terms of original design, materials, workmanship and
setting, the Monument feels like it belongs to the historic era. A visitor would
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Section 8 page 37
experience the character associated with its historical importance. (7) Association.
The Monument reflects the determination of the Japanese immigrants to maintain
their cultural identity and religion
The Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission is significant at the local level under the
following National Register Criteria:
• Criterion A: The Mission and Monument are associated with events that have
made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. Thousands of
single Japanese males initially immigrated to Hawai`i in the late 1800s – 1920s to
work on sugar cane plantations located primarily on the Hāmākua Coast of north-
east Hawai`i Island. When these men left the plantations, many began working
for themselves on small coffee farms in the Kona district on the west side of the
Big Island of Hawai`i Island. Later, the immigration of women led to the creation
of families and the development of community cultural institutions such as
Buddhist temples.
• Criterion C: The Temple building embodies the distinctive characteristics of a
type, period, or method of construction. Vernacular “Plantation style” architecture
was first developed on the sugar plantations. Buildings were easy to construct,
and featured post-and-pier foundations, single walls with girt, double-hung
windows, and totan roofs. Plantation-trained carpenters were familiar with these
components, and eventually these architectural elements were used in designs
for town housing, temples, stores, garages, etc. throughout the Hawaiian Islands.
Statement of Significance
The Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission (aka Hōlualoa Koboji) and Monument meet
the National Register Criteria for evaluation at the local level for its association with
broad patterns of history and for embodying distinctive architectural characteristics.
Significance under Criterion A
The Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission and Monument are significant at the local
level under Criterion A for their association with the development of Japanese American
communities in Hawai`i during the early twentieth century. The temple is a place
important to the continuity and cohesion in early Japanese life in Hawai`i. The original
immigrants believed their presence on the island was temporary. However, difficulties in
returning to Japan, coupled with the cohesive communities they built on the plantations,
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led to a more permanent society. Female immigration was instrumental in forming
robust family associations and in constructing temples. Established to serve the spiritual
and cultural needs of the first Japanese immigrants (Issei), the Temple functioned as an
important institution for preserving religious practices, fostering cultural identity, and
providing mutual support. The Issei adapted homeland traditions to the local
environment, symbolizing the perseverance of Hawai`i’s Japanese immigrant
community.
The Monument replicates the famed Shikoku Pilgrimage that is associated with the
Shingon Buddhist religious practice honoring Kōbō Daishi (Kukai). The path was
available to anyone who wanted to pray and mediate, including members of other
Japanese Buddhist Temples.
Significance under Criterion C
The Temple is an example of Plantation Style architecture, a vernacular form that
emerged in Hawai`i’s plantation communities and shaped residential building practices
across the islands. Its single-wall construction demonstrates a resourceful adaptation to
local climate and materials and exemplifies a building method that became widespread
during the period. The Temple’s design, materials, and workmanship collectively
embody the distinctive characteristics of this architecture, illustrating the adaptation of
Japanese religious building traditions to Hawai`i’s cultural environment. The Monument
is an example of the Issei building ingenuity, use of local materials, and determination to
maintain their homeland traditions.
Justification of Period of Significance
The period of significance begins in 1925 with the construction and dedication of the
original Temple and Monument. In 1972, a second Temple was built by the religious
community using Plantation-Style architecture. In 1976, a Parsonage was added as a
residence for the reverend. From 1925 to the present, the Temple has functioned as a
religious facility. The period of significance therefore spans from the construction of the
original Temple in 1925, to the construction and completion of the parsonage in 1976.
Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Property History
Beginning in 1848, King Kamehameha III instituted the Mahele or “Portioning” of
Hawai`i by instituting a system of “fee simple” property ownership across the islands,
changing the feudal system of royal ownership of all of Hawai`i’s lands with property
distributed first to the crown, then to the Ali`i, then to the government, then to the
makaʻāinana or common people.
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On January 20, 1845, King Kamehameha III awarded 7,000 acres of the
ahupuaʻa of Hōlualoa 1 and 2, in the moku of Kona, Hawaiˊi to Princess Victoria
Kamāmalu Kekūanaō`a as Land Commission Award (LCA) 7713: Apana 43for
$8100.00, and in 1855, she received Royal Patent 4475.
She immediately mortgaged the land to Bishop & Co. bank for $30,000. On
December 29, 1862, she assigned the mortgage to her father, Mataio Kekūanaō`a.
Figure 30: 1862 Mortgage on LCA 7717-43 [page 1] to Kamāmalu
from Bishop & Co.
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Upon Mataio’s death in 1868, the property was transferred back to Bishop & Co. then it
passed to Charles Bishop’s wife, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, becoming part of
today’s Bishop Estate. (Bureau of Conveyance Mortgage Deed, Book 10, p.122)
On June 26, 1885, Bishop Estate deeded Hōlualoa 1 to William R. Castle for $3000.
On September 5, 1887, William Castle leased the property to Manuel de Gonveia for a
term of 20 years, secured with a mortgage from Bishop & Co. Bank. When Gonveia
went bankrupt in 1890, the property reverted to Castle.
Sanford Dole then acquired the land and converted it to Hui Land. Hui Land refers to
landholdings owned, managed, or held in common as shareholders. This form of
collective ownership enables individuals or groups to acquire land, either individually or
jointly, by purchasing shares. In 1891, Hui Kua`i Aina of Hōlualoa 1 and 2, owners of the
hui properties, petitioned the Circuit Court of the 3rd District to set the boundaries of their
lots.
In 1899, a decree of partition was granted for Hōlualoa 1and 2, both makai and mauka
(above and below) the Māmalahoa Highway, designating one lot per hui member. Nettie
Scott was one of the owners, and it is on Nettie Scott's lots D, L and 29 that the Kona
Koyasan Daishiji Mission is located.
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On November 3, 1914, the 1st Circuit Court in Honolulu set the boundaries for each
lot in fee simple on 1,000 acres of hui lands in Hōlualoa 1 and 2. (Equity Case #932) In
another action, a decree rendered on July 12, 1919, refined the boundaries of Nettie
Scott’s allotment, resulting in parcels lots “L” and “29” totaling 3.4 acres. On July 14, 1919,
Scott sold the lots to Mitsujirō Taketa for $300.
On July 6, 1925, M. Taketa sold them to the Corporation of the Shingon Sect
Mission of Hawai`i for $1.00.
Figure 31: TMK Map showing Nettie Scott’s Lots 29 and D marked in red.
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Figure 32: Map showing Hōlualoa 1 and 2 Hui Lands
On May 11, 1935, the Shingon Sect Mission of Hawaii (Corporation) leased 3.4
acres again to Sono Taketa, the widow of M. Taketa. On January 6, 1936, she assigned
the lease to her adopted son, Herbert Taketa. The Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission
canceled this lease on December 20, 1968, and the property reverted to the Shingon Sect
Mission of Hawai`i.
On July 3, 1979, the Shingon Sect Mission of Hawaii subdivided Lot L and 29 into
new Lots L-1 and D-1. It deeded Lot D-1, measuring 42,228 square feet, to the Kona
Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission. On March 22, 1990, the Shingon Sect Mission of
Hawaii subdivided Lot D-1 to make a new lot D-1-A, measuring 19,109 square feet, and
deeded the new parcel to the Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission.
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Figure 33: 1920 Real Estate Transfers in the Honolulu Star Bulletin Newspaper showing
the deed from Nettie Scott to M. Taketa (Note: The 1929 date is incorrect date, as this was
published in 1920.)
Historical Events:
Establishing the Kona Koyasan Shingon Mission and 88 Worship Sites
The establishment of Shingon Buddhism in Japan is relevant to the nomination.
The Issei immigrants brought this sect of Buddhism to Hawai`i, and it is still practiced
today at temples along the Old Government Road, now named Māmalahoa Highway.
Several factors contributed to the establishment of the Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon
Mission in Hōlualoa during the early twentieth century. Among the Japanese immigrants
who settled in the area were devotees of Kūkai, also known as Kōbō Daishi. One such
immigrant, Mitsujirō Taketa—a local coffee farmer who was later ordained as the
Shingon priest Kōdō Takeda—played a leading role in the construction of worship halls
and sacred sites throughout Hōlualoa. The growth of the Japanese community in Kona,
fueled by increasing numbers of immigrants who settled in the area after completing
their plantation labor contracts, further supported the mission’s founding.
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Beginning in 1885, Japanese immigrants, known as Issei, arrived in Hawaiʻi as
contract laborers to work on the sugar plantations on the Hāmākua Coast and Kohala
on Hawaiʻi Island. After completing their contracts, many relocated to Kona, where they
established coffee and fruit farms along the Old Government Road. Coffee became their
primary source of income, and the region provided safety, stability, a sense of
community, and economic opportunity. These conditions allowed the community to grow
while preserving its cultural traditions and heritage.
In 1891, 27-year-old Mitsujirō Taketa of Hiroshima emigrated to Hawai`i to work
on a plantation. A devout practitioner of Shingon Buddhism, he returned to Japan in
1924 to study at the Kongōbu-ji Monastery and was ordained as Rev. Kōdō Takeda.
Between 1910 and 1930, small Daishi-dō halls and 88 pilgrimage worship sites
were established along the Kona Coffee Belt Road, primarily in Holualoa. Reverend
Takeda created these, and under his leadership, they reflect the traditions of Japan's
famed Shikoku pilgrimage. The Daishi-dō were dedicated to the veneration of Kūkai
(Kōbō Daishi), the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Because the reverend could not visit
every hall in a single day, monthly worship services were conducted by lay leaders who
rotated among the branch halls. As the community grew, three main Buddhist Temples
were constructed: the Hongwanji Jōdo Shin-shū and the Daishi-do Shingon-shū in
Holualoa, and the Daifukuji Zen Sōtō-shu in Kainaliu.
Reverend Takeda secured a parcel for $300 in 1920 from local landowner, Nettie
Lou Strain Scott. (Figure 33) He announced his plans to build a temple and the
pilgrimage path in the December 22, 1920, edition of the Kona Echo newspaper. It said,
“To build a new Temple at the entrance and 88 Sacred Places along and to build a
grave site in the center to comfort the spirits of the unfortunates.” The Temple was
dedicated on July 19, 1925. Rev. K. Ishikawa from Honolulu conducted services.
Impacts of World War II
The attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, had a devastating effect on
Japanese American communities in Hawai`i. About 200 Buddhist priests were detained,
and many temples were confiscated or destroyed. The Kona Koyasan Shingon Mission
was closed. Sono Taketa, Mitsujirō Taketa’s widow, who was still an alien, was
repatriated to Japan in 1949, but returned to Hilo, Hawai`i in 1950. Though deeply
wounded by war and prejudice, Kona’s Japanese American Buddhists persevered and
retained their religious and cultural identities. After the war, the Koyasan Mission
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remained popular. Its members were known as healers, having a strong belief in
charms, talismans, and holy water, which could be purchased from the temple.
The 88 Sacred Places: Shikoku, Japan
The Kona Koyasan Shingon Monument is located along Māmalahoa Highway at
the entrance to the Mission grounds. It marks the starting point for the Hōlualoa 88
Sacred Places which embodies Mitsujiō Taketa’s devotion to Kōbō Daishi (774-835),
the founder of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.
The Shikoku 88 Sacred Places are the 88 Buddhist Temples on the Island of
Shikoku, Japan. Established in the 900’s by Kōbō Daishi, posthumously named Kūkai,
the pilgrimage route circles the island incorporating various temples and religious
centers. However, this claim has been disputed by some Buddhist scholars, with one
claiming that the route was developed over centuries as devotees traveled the island
seeking sites associated with The Daishi.
Mitsujirō Taketa, coffee farmer and Shingon Reverend
Mitsujirō Taketa immigrated to Hawaii from Kumamoto Prefecture in Japan to
work as a contract laborer on a sugar plantation in Hāmākua. He was a devotee of
Shingon Buddhism and brought his religious fervor for The Daishi with him.
He left the plantation and settled in Hōlualoa sometime before 1920, as he is
listed in the 1920 census for North Kona as a “coffee farmer” with a wife named Sono
and son Yoshie. Later he traveled to Mount Kōya on Shikoku Island, Japan, to study for
the Priesthood. His ordination name is Kōdō Takeda. The 1930 census for North Kona
lists his occupation as “Priest.”
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Figure 34: The route of the 88 Sacred Temples Pilgrimage on Shikoku, Japan
The 88 Sacred Places: Hōlualoa, Hawaii
In 1920, Taketa purchased a 3.5-acre parcel in Hōlualoa from Nettie Scott and, in
1925, built the Hōlualoa Koboiji, the original first temple, the Monument, and the
Hōlualoa 88 Sacred Places on the parcel. They were spread across the 3.5-acre parcel,
extending mauka makai along the driveway and in the jungle behind the temple
building. Thus, building a miniature version of the Shikoko Junrei. The current priest of
the Temple, Rev. Miyazaki, said “Anyone walking along the highway (Mamalahoa)
would catch a large stone monument which is carved with ʻBuilt in July of Taisho 14th
year (1925), New Shikoku 88 Sacred Places.’
Time and history have not been kind to the Hōlualoa 88 Sacred Places. The
Monument and one shrine are the last remainders. The others were destroyed in the
October 3, 1968 flood. In 2023, the Monument was restored, and an informational
plaque was installed by Pulama iā Kona, Historical Council.
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Section 8 page 47
Figure 35: Informational plaque about the Monument
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Name of Property County and State
Section 8 page 48
Establishment of of Holualoa Village
The establishment of Holualoa Village is relevant to the nomination because the
Koyasan Mission and Monument are situated in the Village. The Village, Temple
Building, and the Monument were built by the Japanese during the late 1800’s and early
1900’s to support their growing community.
Japanese immigration to Hawaii contributed to the establishment of the Village.
In 1885, Japanese men immigrated to Hawaii as contract laborers to work on sugar
plantations. They arrived in Honolulu and were then sent to plantations primarily those
along the Hāmākua Coast and Hilo. Upon completion of their contracts, many moved to
the uplands of Kona. They formed coffee farming communities along the Māmalahoa
Highway. Hōlualoa Village is one of the communities. They built a business district
along Māmalahoa Highway providing goods and services to their community.
The following list names the businesses and other supporting enterprises located in
Hōlualoa.
Year Business Name Service
1928 Ikeda Service Station Gasoline
1950 Morinoue Landry and Pool Hall Laundry and recreation
c1925 Kona Bottling Works Co., Ltd Soft Drinks
c1931 Kona Repair Shop Auto repair, gas and tire sales
c1902 Hōlualoa Hongwanji Mission Religious
c1898 Hayashi Home amd Medical Office Doctor
c1951 Ichishita Truck Shed Delivery truck storage
1925 Hōlualoa Post Office Postage service
c1927 Y. Kimura Store General merchandise
c1895 Kona and Ka'u Telephone &
Telegraph Co, Ltd,
Phone switchboard
c1929 Hualālai Garage Auto repair, gas, tires
c1948 Doris Place Café and snacks
c1953 Kona Coffee Cooperative Coffee processing
c1919 Keauhou Store General merchandise, bicycles
c 1927 Nakamura Dental office Dental
c1918 N. Hakoda Store Farming supplies, groceries
1923 Nihon Jinkai Hall Fellowship and meeting place
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c1904 S. Morikami Store General merchandise, school
supplies
c1906 Hōlualoa Chapel Religion
c1893 Hōlualoa School Education
c1951 Hōlualoa Library Books and periodicals
1926 Kona Koyasan Shingon Mission Religion
1926 88 Sacred Places Monument Religion
Other Enterprises
A variety of other enterprises operated in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Dairies
were run primarily by the Portuguese immigrants who made and sold butter. Goats and
wild cattle hides, and wool were income sources. Various other agricultural products
were grown in North Kona during late 19th and 20th centuries though most of the
companies eventually closed. They were tobacco, sisal, and sugar.
Cattle ranchers fenced large acres of land for pasture. The Palani Ranch and
Paris Ranch are located near Hōlualoa. They are estate divisions of the Palani Ranch
that has its roots to the Greenwell family land holdings established in North Kona during
the 19th century.
Today, Hōlualoa is a tourist destination. Many of the old buildings house
galleries, art studios, gift shops, and eateries. The Village merchants and community
are keen on preserving the history and heritage of Hōlualoa Village by focusing on the
coffee-growing heritage, artistic spirit, and cultural traditions.
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Sections 9-end page 50
______________________________________________________________________________
8. Major Bibliographical References
Bibliography (Cite the books, articles, and other sources used in preparing this
form.)
Abe, David K, Rural Isolation and Dual Culture Existence: The Japanese American
Kona Coffee Community (Palgrave MacMillan, New York, July 19, 2017), p. 43-50, 53-
55, 124-132, 211-218, 237, 241-242.
Badillo, Agata, A Shikoku Pilgrimage Guide. (Troutdale, Oregon, June 15, 2026), p. 2-
14.
Bishop Soko Kuki, https://www.hilohooganji.org/Mission-Ministers , accessed May 7,
2025.
County of Hawaii Real Property Division, Tax Office. Field Book. TMK: (3)76004003.
Clark, John R. K., Guardians of the Sea. (University of Hawaii, 2007) p. 127.
Clark Matthew, BA., Rechtman, Robert, PHD., Archaeological Inventory Survey TMK 3-
7-6-040003, Holualoa 1 and 2 Ahupua`a, North Kona District, Hawai`i Island, Hawai`I,
January 2006.
Escott, G. and Escott S., Archaeological Inventory Survey Report for 5.0 Acres Located
in Holualoa 1st Ahupua`a, North Kona District, Hawai`i Island, Hawai`i (TMK: (3)
78021:017 Por., August 2016.
“Hawaii Shingon Mission, effective Dec.16, 2024
https://www.nps.gov/places/hawaii-shingo.
“Hilo Hooganji Mission” about Bishop Sohko Kuki, accessed Feb. 2. 2026
http://www.hilohooganji.org.
Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
July 23, 1925 "New Buddhist Church Is Dedicated in Kona."
"United States Federal Government Immigration Act (1921)."
May 7, 2025. Accessed https://history.state.gov/Milestones/1921-1936/iMMigration-act.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 51
Koyasan Shingon Mission of Hawai`i. https://www.koyasanshingonhawaii.org.
Accessed May 8, 2025
Mintoishi-Plaumbo, Lorraine, Dr. The Process of Transformation of the Buddhist Temple
Architecture of the Japanese Society in Hawai`i: The Plantation-Style Temple
Architecture of Hawai`i. PhD dissertation, Waseda University, Shinjuku, Japan 1999.
Mintoishi-Plaumbo, Lorraine, Dr., Japanese Buddhist Temples Thematic Nomination:
National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. National Park Service,
Department of the Interior, Washington D.C, 2012
Miyazaki, Rev. “Brief History of the Mission” Interview by Motter Snell, Kona Koyasan
Mission, Holualoa, Hawai`i, September 20, 2022.
Stephenson, Ross W., and Ruby, Laura, MA/MFA, Honoka‘a Hongwanji Buddhist
Mission: National Register of Historic Places Registration Form. National Park Service,
Department of the Interior, Washington D.C. 1999.
Stephenson, Ross W., and Ruby, Laura, MA/MFA, Bank of Hawaii, Ltd. National
Register of Historic Places Registration Form. National Park Service, Department of the
Interior, Washington D.C. March, 2017.
Taketa, Sono. HSPA Repatriation Cleveland, 1949.
Tanabe, George, Editor. Religions of Japan in Practice. (Princeton University Press,
1999) p.360-365.
Tanabe, George, and Willa Jane Tanabe, Japanese Buddhist Temples in Hawaii
(University of Hawaii Press, Oct 2012), p.1-16, 24-35, 41-42, 147-148.
Tsuru, Reyn, Executive Director, Hawai`i Shingon Mission: National Register of Historic
Places Registration Form, National Park Service, Department of the Interior,
Washington D.C. December 1999.
United States 14th Census, 1920. Hawai`i County, Island of Hawaii, District of North
Kona. Sheet #131.
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Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 52
United States 15th Census, 1930. Hawai`i County, Island of Hawaii, District of North
Kona. Sheet #7A.
Wyatt, Paul, Japanese Religions, National Clearinghouse for United States – Japan
Studies, Indianan University, October 2003.
___________________________________________________________________________
Previous documentation on file (NPS):
____ preliminary determination of individual listing (36 CFR 67) has been requested
____ previously listed in the National Register
____ previously determined eligible by the National Register
____ designated a National Historic Landmark
____ recorded by Historic American Buildings Survey #____________
____ recorded by Historic American Engineering Record # __________
____ recorded by Historic American Landscape Survey # ___________
Primary location of additional data:
____ State Historic Preservation Office
____ Other State agency
____ Federal agency
____ Local government
____ University
____ Other
Name of repository: _____________________________________
Historic Resources Survey Number (if assigned): ________________
______________________________________________________________________
________
9. Geographical Data
Acreage of Property 0.439 acres (19,109 sq feet)
Use either the UTM system or latitude/longitude coordinates
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Sections 9-end page 53
Latitude/Longitude Coordinates
Datum if other than WGS84:__________
(enter coordinates to 6 decimal places)
1. Latitude: Longitude:
2. Latitude: Longitude:
3. Latitude: Longitude:
4. Latitude: Longitude:
Or
UTM References
Datum (indicated on USGS Map):
NAD 1927 or NAD 1983
1. Zone: 5Q Easting: 190694.77 Northing: 2171636.05
Verbal Boundary Description (Describe the boundaries of the property.)
The K Koyasan Mission (Tax Map Key (3) 76004:047 is an irregular pentagon-
shaped parcel of 19,109 square feet, designated as sub-parcel D-1-A. (2005
Consolidation Map with TMK’s). Beginning at the S/E corner, a line extends 45 ft N to
a N/W corner. From this corner, the line angles N/W extending 150.02 feet to the N/E
corner. The boundary line turns 90 degrees, and the line extends E/W 62.07 to the
N/W corner, then turns 90 degrees for a line that extends 293.33 feet N/S to the S/W
corner. The line turns 90 degrees and extends 121.01 feet E/W to the pentagon’s S/E
corner.
X
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 54
Boundary Justification (Explain why the boundaries were selected.)
The parcels are identified by a unique identifier (3) 76004:047 and (3) 76004:003 on
the County of Hawaii Tax Maps.
Figure 36: Tax Map Key showing boundary justification for
(3) 76004:047 (red) and :003 (black)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 55
10. Form Prepared By
name/title: Ms. Motter Snell
organization: Pulāma iā Kona, Historical Council
street & number: c/o 2324 1st Ave, #504
city or town: Seattle state: Wa. zip code: 98121
e-mail Mottersnell59@gmail.com
telephone: 206 719-7788
date:_August 31, 2026_
___________________________________________________________________
________
Additional Documentation
Submit the following items with the completed form:
• Maps: A USGS Map or equivalent (7.5 or 15 Minute series) indicating the
property's location.
• Sketch Map for historic districts and properties having large acreage or
numerous resources. Key all photographs to this map.
Figure Index
Figure 1: Resources included in the nomination
Figure 2: TMK: (3) 7-6-004: 047
Figure 3: Configuration of Contributing and Non-Contributing Resources on the Property
Figure 4: Temple Entrance. Photo shot to north
Figure 5: Letter and Invitation to the 1972 Temple Dedication
Figure 6: Floor Plan of 1972 Temple including Sanctuary (Public Seating and Altar
Area), Multi-purpose Room and Kitchen
Figure 7: East façade of the Sanctuary. Photo shot to west
Figure 8: Multipurpose room south façade. Photo shot to north
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 56
Figure 9: Multipurpose Room east façade. Photo shot northwest.
Figure 10: Temple north façade. Photo shot to south.
Figure 11: Temple west face. Photo shot to east.
Figure 12: Parsonage. Photo shot to the northeast
Figure 13: The Shrine. Photo shot to east.
Figure 14: Kobo Takeda 1864-1935. Photo shot to east.
Figure 15: Graves of Yoshio Matsuo (1889-1943) and Ai Matsuo (1896-1962). Photo
shot to north.
Figure 16: Graves of Miyo and Umekichi Amizaki. Photo shot to north.
Figure 17: The Monument. Photo shot south.
Figure 18: Monument As-build p.1
Figure 19: Monument As-build p.2
Figure 20: Monument North side of base and column. Photo shot south.
Figure 21: Monument North and East side of base. No inscription. Photo shot
southwest.
Figure 22: Monument South and West corner of base. Photo shot northeast.
Figure 23: Monument North side of column. Photo shot to south.
Figure 24: Monument South side of column. Photo shot to north.
Figure 25: Monument West side of column. Photo shot to east.
Figure 26: The Kitchen. Photo shot north.
Figure 27: Columbarium. Photo shot to east.
Figure 28: 1926 Temple building site. Photo shot to east.
Figure 29: 1972 County of Hawaii Field Book for the Temple, Columbarium and Shrine.
Figure 20: 1862 Mortgage on LCA 7717-43 [page 1] to Kamāmalu from Bishop & Co.
Figure 31: TMK Map showing Nettie Scott’s Lots 29 and D demarked in red.
Figure 32: Map showing Hōlualoa 1 and 2 Hui Lands.
Figure 33: 1920 Real Estate Transfers in the Honolulu Star Bulletin Newspaper showing
the deed from Nettie Scott to M. Taketa (Note: The 1929 date is incorrect date, as this
was published in 1920.)
Figure 34: Route of the 88 Sacred Places on Shikoku Island, Japan.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 57
Figure 35: Monument Plaque.
Figure 36: 2005 Consolidation Map showing TMK 76004:047 and :003.
MAPS
Figure 37: 1928 Island of Hawai`i Wall Map: Hōlualoa area of significance circled in red.
Figure 38: 1914 Map of a partition of Hōlualoa 1 and 2, 1000 acres mauka of the Upper
Road (aka Māmalahoa Highway).
Figure 39: 1927 Sanborn Insurance Map showing North and South Kona. The Sanborn
Insurance Maps are a collection of large-scale maps, dating from 1867-1999 which
depict the commercial, industrial, and residential sections of 12,000 cities and towns in
the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The maps were designed to assist fire
insurance agents in determining the degree of hazard associated with a property.
Figure 40: 1927 Sanborn Insurance Map of Hōlualoa Village. The Shingon Mission (not
shown on the map) lies mauka of the Village.
Figure 41: 1928 USGS North Kona District Quad Map showing the location of Hōlualoa
Village on the Kona Coast.
Figure 42: 1936 Partition Map showing fee simple lots in Hōlualoa 1 and 2 set forth by
Equity Case #932.
Figure 43: 1936 Partition Map cropped showing Lots D, L, and 29 owned by Nettie
Scott. Later the lots were deeded to the Shingon Mission.
Figure 44: A Map of Old Kona showing Hōlualoa Village.
MAPS
Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission
Fig.
37
1928 Island of Hawai`i Wall Map: Hōlualoa area of significance
demarked in red- Walter E Wall, Surveyor.
38 1914 Partition Map showing the distribution of shares of the Hui Lands
in Hōlualoa 1 and 2.
39 1927 Sanborn Insurance Map showing North and South Kona.
40 1927 Sanborn Insurance Map showing Hōlualoa Village buildings.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 58
41 1928 USGS North Kona District Quad Map showing Hōlualoa Village on
the west slope of Mount Hualālai demarked in red.
42 1936 Partition Map showing fee simple lots in Hōlualoa 1 and 2 (Equity
Case #932).
43 1936 Partition Map cropped showing Lots D, L, and 29 owned by N.
Scott.
44 Map of Old Kona
ADDENDUM B and C
Figure 45: Honolulu Star Bulletin.
Figure 46: The 1925 Temple. Photo shot to east.
Figure 47: Dedication of the 1925 Temple. Photo shot to east.
Figure 48: Demolition of the 1925 Temple in 2005. Photo shot east.
Figure 50: Floor plan of the 1972 Temple’s (Sanctuary) interior.
Figure 51: Public seating area with tithing tablets located above the windows. Photo
shot to west.
Figure 52: The Ceremonial Area with the carved transom above. Photo shot to north.
Figure 53: Odaisan’s image and Fudo’s image on the altar. Photo shot to north.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 59
Figure 37: 1928 Island of Hawai`i Wall by Map: Hōlualoa area of significance circled
in red.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 60
Figure 38:1914 Map of the partition of Hōlualoa 1 and 2, 1000 acres mauka of the
Upper Road (aka Māmalahoa Highway).
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 61
Figure 39: 1927 Sanborn Insurance Map showing North and South Kona.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 62
Figure 40: 1927 Sanborn Insurance Map of Hōlualoa Village with the Shingon Mission
West of Māmalahoa Highway
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 63
Figure 41: 1928 USGS North Kona District Quad Map showing the location of
Hōlualoa Village on the Kona Coast.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 64
Figure 42: 1936 Partition Map showing fee simple lots in Holualoa 1 and 2
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 65
Figure 43: 1936 Partition Map cropped showing Lots D, L, and 29 owned by Nettie
Scott. Later the lots were deeded to the Shingon Mission.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 66
Figure 44: Map of Old Kona showing Hōlualoa Village.
After Abe, David K., 2017
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 67
Figure 44: Map of Old Kona showing Hōlualoa Village.
After Abe, David K., 2017
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 68
Photographs
Submit clear and descriptive photographs. The size of each image must be
1600x1200 pixels (minimum), 3000x2000 preferred, at 300 ppi (pixels per inch) or
larger. Key all photographs to the sketch map. Each photograph must be numbered
and that number must correspond to the photograph number on the photo log. For
simplicity, the name of the photographer, photo date, etc. May be listed once on the
photograph log and doesn’t need to be labeled on every photograph.
Photo Log
Name of Property: Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission
City or Vicinity: Holualoa
County: Hawaiʻi State: Hawaiʻi
Photographers: Motter Snell
Dates Photographed: 2023-2026
Location of Original Digital Files: Motter Snell
2324 First Ave, #504
Seattle, Wa. 98121
Job# Historic and Architectural Resources of Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission
Description of Photograph(s) and number, including description of view indicating
compass direction.
Photo #1 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: A wood sign with the Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission name located at
the intersection of Māmalahoa Highway and drive way to the Mission parking lot.
View to east.
1 of 16
Photo # 2 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Drive way extending mauka to the Temple Building parking lot.
View to east.
2 of 16
Photo # 3 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 69
Describe: Jack Kobayshi, contractor, and Reverend Shiba standing in the parking lot on
the south side of the Temple Building.
View to north.
Photographer: unknown. From Mission files.
3 of 16
Photo # 4 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Framing of the 1972 Temple Building.
View to north.
Photographer: unknown. Mission files.
4 of 16
Photo # 5 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: 1972 Temple Building site including the south façade and parking lot
View to north.
5 of 16
Photo #6 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Wood foundation pillar on concrete block.
View to east.
6 of 16
Photo # 7 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Decorative lava rock skirting below the lanai floor on the south and east
facades.
View to north.
7 of 16
Photo # 8 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: One of two concrete ramps extending from the lanai.
View to north.
8 of 16
Photo #9 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Decorative railing attached to lanai.
View to southwest.
9 of 16
Photo # 10 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 70
Describe: Lanai ceiling showing exposed totan roofing material.
View to southwest.
10 of 16
Photo #11 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Bronze Temple bell which hangs at the corner of corner of the south-facing
façade.
View to north.
11 of 16
Photo # 12 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Shingon Sect Mon (crests) mounted on the gable above the roof of the south-
facing facade of the Temple Building.
View to north.
12 of 16
Photo # 13 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Alter area in the Temple Building.
View to north.
13 of 16
Photo # 14 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Fire Ritual platform located at the front altar.
View to north.
14 of 16
Photo # 15 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Burners used for cooking rice for community meal preparation.
View to east.
15 of 16
Photo # 16 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: The wooden plank or Munafuda, hung in the space between the roof and the
ceiling, inscribed in Japanese with prayers for members of the temple, names of the
architects, builders, priests, other authorities, as well as the cost of Temple
View to north.
16 of 16
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 71
Photo #1 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 72
A wood sign with the Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission name located at the
intersection of Māmalahoa Highway and driveway to the Mission parking lot.
View to east.
1 of 16
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 73
Photo # 2 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Drive way extending mauka to the Temple Building parking lot.
View to east.
2 of 16
Photo # 3 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 74
Describe: Jack Kobayshi, contractor, and Reverend Shiba standing in the parking lot on
the south side of the Temple Building. Photographer: unknown. From Mission files.
View to north.
3 of 16
Photo # 4 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Framing of the 1972 Temple Building. Photographer: unknown. Mission files.
View to north.
4 of 16
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 75
Photo #5 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: 1972 Temple Building site including the south façade and parking lot.
View to north
5 of 17
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 76
Photo # 6 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Wood foundation pillar on concrete block.
View to east.
6 of 16
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 77
Photo #7 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Decorative lava rock skirting below the lanai floor on the south and east
facades.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 78
View to north.
7 of 16
Photo #8 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: One of two concrete ramps extending from the lanai.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 79
View to north.
8 of 16
Photo #9 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Decorative railing attached to lanai.
View to southwest.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 80
9 of 16
Photo #10 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 81
Describe: Lanai ceiling showing exposed totan roofing material.
View to southwest.
10 of 16
Photo #11 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 82
Describe: Bronze Temple bell which hangs at the corner of corner of the south-facing
façade.
View to north.
11 of 16
Photo # 12 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 83
Describe: Shingon Sect Mon (crests) mounted on the gable above the roof of the south-
facing facade of the Temple Building.
View to north.
12 of 16
Photo #13 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Alter area in the Temple Building.
View to north.
13 of 16
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 84
Photo #14 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Fire Ritual platform located at the front altar.
View to north.
14 of 16
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 85
Photo # 15 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: Burners used for cooking rice for community meal preparation.
View to east.
15 of 16
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 86
Photo # 16 (HI_Hawai`i County_ Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission)
Describe: The wooden plank or Munafuda, hung in the space between the roof and the
ceiling, inscribed in Japanese with prayers for members of the temple, names of the
architects, builders, priests, other authorities, as well as the cost of Temple
View to north.
16 of 16
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 87
Paperwork Reduction Act Statement: This Information is being collected for
nominations to the National Register of Historic Places to nominate properties for listing
or determine eligibility for listing, to list properties, and to amend existing listings.
Response to this request is required to obtain a benefit in accordance with the National
Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C.460 et seq.). We May not conduct or
sponsor and you are not required to respond to a collection of Information unless it
displays a currently valid OMB control number.
Estimated Burden Statement: Public reporting burden for each response using this
form is estimated to be between the Tier 1 and Tier 4 levels with the estimate of the
time for each tier as follows:
Tier 1 – 60-100 hours
Tier 2 – 120 hours
Tier 3 – 230 hours
Tier 4 – 280 hours
The above estimates include time for reviewing instructions, gathering and Maintaining
data, and preparing and transmitting nominations. Send comments regarding these
estimates or any other aspect of the requirement(s) to the Service Information
Collection Clearance Officer, National Park Service, 1201 Oakridge Drive Fort Collins,
CO 80525.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 88
Addendum A: Conveyance History Table
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 89
Figure 45: Honolulu Star Bulletin article about the original Temple 1925.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 90
Addendum B: The original Temple
Figure 46: The original Temple Building in 1925. Photo shot to east.
Photographer: unknown. From Mission files.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 91
Figure 47: Dedication of the original Temple in 1925. Photo shot to east.
Photographer: unknown. From Mission files.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 92
Figure 48: Demolition in 2005 of the original Temple.
Photo shot to east. Shingon Mission files.
United States Department of the Interior National Park Service / National Register of Historic Places Registration Form NPS Form 10-900 OMB Control No. 1024-0018 Kona Koyasan Daishiji Shingon Mission Hawai`i Hawai`i
Name of Property County and State
Sections 9-end page 93
Addendum C: Nettie Lou Scott: A Supporter of the Mission
Netta (“Nettie”) Lou Strain Scott Netta “Nettie” Lou Strain was born at Valley Parsonage in Lewistown, Mifflin Township,
Pennsylvania, on November 2, 1862, to Presbyterian minister The Rev. John Buchanan
Strain and his wife Elizabeth Rogers, after the Strains had moved there in 1860.1,2 By
1880, the family had grown to five children: 17-year-old Netta, Elizabeth (13), and
brothers Elmer (19), Willis (11), and Charles (10).3
Nettie graduated from Grove High School and completed her teacher training at
the Steubenville Female Seminary, a private school in Steubenville, Ohio, though her
graduation date is unknown.4,5 On November 1, 1883, with her father serving as
officiant, she married Millard Fillmore Scott, an assistant school principal, in Putnam,
Ohio. 6,7 The couple had one child, a daughter, Madeline (1886–1887), who died in
Wooster and is buried in Wooster Cemetery.8
In 1889, Charles Reed Bishop, President of the Board of Education of Hawaiʻi, traveled
to California to interview applicants from all around the United States who had applied
for teaching jobs in Hawaiʻi.9 The Scotts were accepted and assigned to Honokaa
School (established in 1884), working for Principal Sophie Overend, and living in a rent-
free furnished house provided by the Board, where they raised pigs as a side
1 Putnam Ohio, United States records, Digital Collection Ohio, county marriages, 1789-2013,
WorldCat.org, OCLC Number/Unique Identifier: 1354066915.
2 Lewistown Gazette (Pennsylvania), November 29, 1860. 2.
3 National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.: Tenth Census of the United States, 1880. Population Schedules, Ohio. Putnam County, Enumeration District 141.Pleasant Township, Page
29. Microfilm publication T9, rolls 1061 and 1062.
4 “Mr. Netta Scott, Auditorium Donor Dies in Wooster” The Wooster Voice, February 27, 1941. 1:5.
5 “History of the Hills, Steubenville Female Seminary” The Weirton Daily Times, June 8, 2026
6 "Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-2016." http://FamilySearch.org :16 December 2025. County Courthouses,
7 "Ohio, Marriages, 1800-1958", (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XDKD-XBZ : 25 March 2020),
Millard F. Scott, 1883.
8 Find a Grave Index", (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:68JM-5PK3 : Wed Apr 02 23:26:03
UTC 2025),
9 Hawaii State Archives, Records of the Board of Education, General Correspondence of the Board of
Education, August-September, August 1, 1889. Series 261, Folder 261-23-6
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job.10,11,12,13 In 1890, both became Assistant Principals, and after Sophie resigned in
1892, Millard applied to replace her as Principal, with Nettie as his Assistant Principal.
When their applications were denied, they moved to North Kona.14 She became the
Principal of Pahoehoe School and Millard taught there. He also became a coffee
planter.15,16,17 The couple was members of Holualoa Chapel, where Nettie taught
Sunday school. It is now the Antioch Church of Holualoa.18,19,20 The church is located
across the street from the entrance to the Koyasan Daishii Shingon Mission.
Holualoa Chapel, 1906
Photo courtesy of the Kona Historical Society
10 Hawaii State Archives, Department of Taxation, Series 224-1, Tax Assessment and Collections Ledgers, 3rd District, Hamakua, 1890, Vol. 2, p. 29.
11 Hawaii State Archives, Records of the Board of Education, Incoming Letters of the Board of Education, Oahu, August-September. October 8, 1892. Series 261, Folder 261-23-6.
12 “On Hawaii” The Daily Pacific Commercial Advertiser, August 29, 1889. 3:2
13 Hawaii State Archives, Interior Department, Licenses, Ledger Book 48, p.82, De. 29, 1890-Mar. 19,
1891. February 10, 1891. 14 Hawaii State Archives, Records of the Board of Education, Minutes of the Board of Education, September 2, 1890-September 30, 1896, February 17, 1892. Series 235-4.
15 Husted’s Classified Business Directory of Honolulu and the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu and Oahu first
and other Islands following. Honolulu: F. M. Polk Co. Publisher. 1892-1893. p.293
16 Hawaii State Archives, Records of the Board of Education, Minutes of the Board of Education, September 2, 1890-September 30, 1896, October 18, 1894. Series 23, Folder 4. 17 Husted’s Classified Business Directory of Honolulu and the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu and Oahu first and other Islands following. Honolulu: F. M. Polk Co. Publisher. 1892-1893. p.293
18 Eighty-Fifth Annual Report of the Hawaiian Evangelical Association, 1907. Published by the Hawaiian Gazette Company, Lts.p.49
19 https://antiochhawaii.com/
20 Holualoa Chapel. Photograph courtesy of the Kona Historical Society.
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In 1894, Nettie started Holualoa School in a rickety building on land the couple
leased to the Board of Education, and opened a general store in the town.21,22 In 1895,
she moved the school into a new building Millard had constructed on the premises.23 In
1895, Millard resigned as Principal of Pahoehoe School after the Board of Education
received complaints that he was spending too much time on his outside businesses.24
He joined the Kona Road Board in 1896 and, in 1898, became the School Agent for
North Kona while adding builder and lumber dealer to his business portfolio.25,26,27 In
1902, while still a School Agent, Millard became the Clerk of the 3rd Circuit Court, then
went into law. 28
In 1907, Nettie modified her school’s curriculum, adding carpentry, Roman
history, and home economics.29 But in 1909, she lost her position as Principal due to
the mistreatment of a staff member and insubordination, and reverted to the position of
teacher.30,31,32 Nettie filed a breach-of-contract lawsuit against the Department of Public
Instruction seeking reinstatement.33 She lost the suit but stubbornly continued fighting
for another year, this time suing the department for $15,000 in monetary damages
before finally admitting defeat.34 She was eventually reappointed as Principal.
Nettie began buying real estate in 1890, eventually owning parcels of hui lands
throughout Holualoa 1 & 2, including the lot that the Koyasan Daishii Shingon Mission
21 Hawaii State Archives, Records of the Board of Education, Minutes of the Board of Education,
September 2, 1890-September 30, 1896, October 18, 1894. Series 235-4
22 Hawaii State Archives, Interior Department, Licenses, Box 113, 1894, August. Ledger Book 66, p.291,
August 30, 1894.
23 Hawaii State Archives, Interior Department, General Correspondence, Ledger Book 70, p. 210, February 1, 1895.
24 Hawaii State Archives, Records of the Board of Education, Minutes of the Board of Education,
September 2, 1890-September 30, 1896, July 15, 1895. Series 235-4.
25 Husted’s Classified Business Directory of Honolulu and the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu and Oahu first
and other Islands following. Honolulu: F. M. Polk Co. Publisher. 1896-1897. P.52
26 Ibid, 1898, p.lxxiv.
27 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), Washington, D. C., United States Bureau of the Census. Twelfth Census of the United States: 1900 — Population Schedules. North Kona District,
Island of Hawaii, Hawaii Territory. Enumeration District 48, Sheets 1-35, p9B. Microfilm Publication T623, Roll 1833.
28 Husted’s Classified Business Directory of Honolulu and the Hawaiian Islands. Honolulu and Oahu first and other Islands following. Honolulu: F. M. Polk Co. Publisher. 1902. pps. 54, 59, 533.
29 “Holualoa School Principal Reports” The Evening Bulletin, May 15, 1908. 8:6.
30 “Mrs. Scott Sues Education Board” The Hilo Tribune, September 29, 1909. 3:3.
31 Hawaii State Archives, Records of the Board of Education, Minutes of the Board of Education, September 2, 1890-September 30, 1896, Series 23, Folder 4.
32 Hawaii State Archives, Records of the Board of Education, General Correspondence by Name, Scott, Nettie L., 1906-1909. Series 261, Folder 261-72-15.
33 “Will not act in Scott Case” The Daily Bulletin, October 20, 1909. 1:2
34 “Mrs. Scott Loses her Damage Suit” The Hilo Tribune, November 9, 1909. 6:1.
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occupies.35,36 She bought, sold, and leased other properties there and in neighboring
ahupuaʻa along the North and South Kona Coasts. She would find herself embroiled in
a long-running legal feud with the Pilipo family. She had leased some hui land in
Holualoa 2 in 1899 from the Pilipos, but failed to pay the rent and disputed their claim.
The family filed a countersuit.37 Many suits and counter-suits were filed over the next 22
years, with verdicts reversed and reentered, with the litigants endlessly appealing, until
the suit eventually reached the 9th Circuit Court of the United States. 38,39,40 The case
was finally heard before the United States Supreme Court, with a judgment against
Nettie.41
Nettie retired in 1917 and moved to Honolulu in 1919, while Millard remained in
Kailua-Kona as the owner and manager of a sisal plantation in Keahou.42,43,44 It is not
known if the two were separated, but there are no records of his presence in the
Territory after 1920. By 1921, she was Regent of the Aloha Chapter of the Daughters of
the American Revolution and a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit #1.45
Millard died on November 22, 1927, in Stockton, California, where they had presumably
moved.46
In 1936, Netta donated $20,000 to refurbish, enlarge, and redecorate an existing
drama and arts space at Wooster College in Ohio, a private liberal arts school founded
in 1866 by the Presbyterian Church as the University of Wooster.47 Called the "Little
Theatre," the space was in the larger Taylor Hall, and on February 12, 1937, the new
space was dedicated as the Netta Strain Scott Auditorium.48,49 Nettie died at her home
35 Hawaii State Survey Office, HSSO/Map 9-59. Map of a Portion of Holualoa 1 & 2, 1000 Acres Mauka of
the upper Road, North Kona, Hawaii, W. A. Wall. August 1, 1914. Department of Government Survey, Department of Accounting and General Services, Kalanimoku Bldg., 1151 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu,
Hawaii. 96814. Lots D, L and 29.
36 Bureau of Conveyances, Deed, Liber 577. July 14, 1919.
37 “The Supreme Court” Hawaiian Gazette, January 22, 1897. 5:2
38 “Kelett Up to His Eyes” The Pacific Commercial Advertiser, May 10, 1906. 8:3
39 “Local and General” Honolulu Star Bulletin, December 11, 1913. 3:3.
40 “Will Appeal Old Case” Honolulu Star Bulletin, February 18, 1919. 3:3.
41 “Hawaii Lawsuit of 23 Years Ago Finally Decided” Honolulu Star Bulletin, June 1, 1921. 1:7.
42 “Time Extension not Granted to Schools of Maui” Honolulu Star Bulletin, June 11, 1917. 10:1.
43 National Archives and Records Administration, U.S. Bureau of the Census. Fourteenth Census of the United States, 1920. North Kona, Hawaii, Hawaii Territory. Enumeration District 101, page 4B. NARA
microfilm publication T625, roll 2033; FHL microfilm 1,822,033. Records of the Bureau of the Census, Record Group 29. National Archives and Records Administration.
44 “Sisal on Its Way to San Francisco” The Hilo Daily Tribune, August 2, 1918. 5:3.
45 “Auxiliary’s Convention Open Today” Honolulu Star Bulletin, September 12, 1922. 5:3.
46 California, Death Index, 1905-1939, M. F. Scott, November 22, 1927; San Joaquin County, California; Certificate no. 897, Department of Public Health Services, Sacramento.
47 https://web.archive.org/web/20110826055604/http://www.wooster.edu/About-Wooster/History-
Traditions
48 “College of Wooster” Plain Dealer [Akron, Ohio], December 20, 1936. 64:5.
49 “Wooster Honors Donor of Funds” The Newark Advocate [Newark, Ohio], February 11, 1937. 16:4.
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in Wooster on February 24, 1941, and was buried in Wooster Cemetery.50 Three years
later, her estate endowed the college with the Netta Strain Scott Prizes in Arts. The
prizes, awarded annually, are given to a senior and an undergraduate student who have
shown outstanding ability in creative studio work and art history.51 The Netta Strain
Scott Lectureship was also established to bring distinguished guest lecturers and
speakers to campus to address topics ranging from international affairs to the arts52.
50 “Mrs. Netta Scott, Auditorium Donor Dies in Wooster” The Wooster Voice [Wooster, Ohio], February 2,
1941.1:5.
51 https://inside.wooster.edu/art/programs-and-opportunities/
52The College of Wooster. Senior Awards Recognition Ceremony. Wooster, OH: The College of Wooster, 2024. https://wooster.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/The-College-of-Wooster_Senior-Awards-program.pdf.
Netta Lous [Strain] Scott in 1937
from
The Newark Advocate February 11, 1937
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Addendum D: The Interior Configuration and Ornamentation of the 1972 Temple
Building
Figure 50: Floor plan of Temple Building Sanctuary
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The public seating or outer sanctuary (gejin) is the space for the congregation. It
measures 42’6” long by 20’4” wide. It represents the ordinary world and has few
decorations.
It was originally filled with zabuton floor cushions, which have since been
replaced with folding chairs. Thin wooden slabs or tablets attached to the south and
west walls are inscribed with donors’ names and tithing amounts.
Figure 51: Public seating area with tithing tablets located above the windows. Photo shot to west.
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A large censer (kōro) is placed prominently in front of the transom that delineates
the threshold between the outer and inner sanctuaries. Worshipers offer incense
(oshōkō), described in early Buddhist texts as food for the dead. The censer is a large
bronze bowl with an openwork lid and sits on an ornate lacquered incense table (kodai).
Small tables on either side of the kodai hold incense and flowers.
The inner sanctuary represents the Buddha’s realm. Its threshold is framed at the
ceiling with a beautifully carved and ornamented transom (ranma), which has three
panels. Each panel is carved with cranes flying past pine trees. Under the transom hang
reed blinds. The front pillars are draped with brocade fabric. There is the stage for
performing rites. The floor is raised, with narrow aisles along each side creating a dais.
It is divided into two parts: the altar (with a front and back altar area) and the ceremonial
area in front of the altar.
The ceremonial area includes a fire ritual platform (goma dan). Wooden sticks,
symbolic of one’s passions and attachments, are burned here. The low platform has
posts at four corners linked by a five-colored cord. In the center there is an inset brazier.
When not in use, the brazier is covered with a small golden two-story pagoda. Small
bowls, vases, fruit, flowers, and censors are placed on the platform. A cushion for the
priest’s seating is placed in front.
The bowl-shaped bell (daikin) and double-sided drum (taiko) are placed on the
mauka side of the ceremonial stage. These percussive instruments mark rhythm, beat,
and emphasis during chants. The drum is said to represent the Buddha’s voice. Both
rest on cushions atop wooden stands.
In the front altar area, a red-lacquered low table (maejoku) with gold ornamental
designs and carved frieze bands is prominently displayed. Its curved top is embellished
with gold. Large black metal flower vases (kabin or kebyō) with elephant-head handles
hold golden lotus (renge) flowers. Black candle stands (shokudai or rōsokutate) flank
the censer. Large black metal standing circular lamps (rintō) are positioned to the sides
of the altar. Hanging lanterns (tsūritōrō) are suspended from the ceiling on either side.
This richly ornamented and colorful area represents the realm of the Buddha.
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Figure 52: The Ceremonial Area with the carved transom above. Photo shot to north.
framing the image. Side altars flank the main shrine, draped with brocade cloth
(mizuhiki or shitakake) and holding candlesticks, censers, fruit, and vases of flowers.
On the platform before Odaisan is a small upper altar table (uwajoku). Atop it is a
striking image of Fudō, the Immovable King of Light, a fierce divinity who removes
obstacles and protects the teachings. Backed by a halo of flame, Fudō holds a lasso
and sword. His flesh is dark blue, with a lotus atop his head, and he wears a red and
blue garment. He frightens the recalcitrant into goodness and is especially important in
esoteric sects like Shingon Buddhism. Flanking Odaisan are three horizontal shelves
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lined with white Mortuary tablets (ihai). Each is inscribed with the deceased’s name,
honorary posthumous name (kaimyō or hōmyō), date of death, and age.
The Shingon crest (mon) appears on several furnishings. The Kona Koyasan
Shingon Mission uses two crests: the three-comma pattern and the paulownia crest with
stems of three, five, and three buds. These crests also appear on the Temple’s south-
facing exterior gable and on the Columbarium’s gable. A walk-in closet off the west side
of the dais holds the priest’s robes, vases, and other ritual instruments.At the rear of the
inner sanctuary, an image (honzon or gohonzon) of Odaisan (Kūkai) is placed in a
gilded and lacquered altar shrine (kuden or guden). He holds a vajra ritual implement
and a rosary with tassels reaching toward worshipers. The doors are open,
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Figure 53: XXXXXX
of the altar. Hanging lanterns (tsūritōrō) are suspended from the ceiling on either side.
This richly ornamented and colorful area represents the realm of the Buddha.