Tucked away on 382 acres in the island of Kauai, Hawaii, is the Kauai Hindu Temple. It is located in the town ofKapa'a on the eastern side of the island, near theWailua river and MountWaialeale. The temple was established more than 50 years ago as a working monastery (currently the home of 19 monks) and theological seminary.

photos by Cindy Yee

My husband and I vacationed in Kauai in May, and visiting the temple gardens was definitely a highlight of our trip. We felt a profound peace wandering around this serene and tranquil paradise. In fact, at the entrance is a huge granite bowl, where visitors can write their problems on a piece of paper, and burn them away.

If you have not been to the Kauai Hindu Temple before, its not to be missed. We loved it so much, that it warranted a second visit before coming home.

In the distance on the top right, is the magnificent white, black and gold SanMargaIraivan Temple, which began construction in 2001, is not finished yet and thus not open to the public. It is the first all-stone temple to be built in the US, entirely carved by hand.

Visitors wearing shorts are required to cover up with a sarong. Here's my husband contemplating the giganticShanmuga banyan tree.