Mau‘umae Nature Park in Kaimukī will be home to O‘ahu’s first public kyudojo, the City & County of Honolulu and Hawai‘i Kyudo Foundation announced at a Tuesday press conference.
The facility will consist of a training center, or dojo, for kyudo, the traditional Japanese martial art of archery, as well as parking, restrooms, a Japanese garden and landscaping with native plants.
This is a public-private partnership, with the Hawai‘i Kyudo Foundation taking the lead on a little over half an acre of a city park bounded by 16th Avenue and Claudine Street.
A statement from the City & County of Honolulu says, "HKF is funding and constructing the $850,000 facility, which will be gifted to the city when completed. ... The kyudojo will be operated and maintained by HKF under the supervision of the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. The annual maintenance and upkeep for the facility is estimated to cost nearly $20,000."
Planners intend for an early 2026 groundbreaking, with the first lessons to be taught in the finished building by summer. Archers take aim from the shajo, an open-air shooting bank, sending arrows down 28-meter shooting path, or yamichi, toward a row of targets known as matoba.
“We are blessed to have found such an ideal space to enhance the practice of this ancient and meditative form of archery,” said Hiroko Dewitz, president of HKF and one of the initiators of the kyudojo effort, said in a statement. “Utilizing extensive records, and the assistance of the researchers & planners who compiled the data, we have ensured the creation of this facility is being done in reverence to our host culture, the natural environment, and neighboring community. Our goal is to introduce new practitioners to the serene art of kyudo, while welcoming back those who wish to reconnect with it.”
“One of our greatest strengths in these islands is the diversity of our people, and how we are all able to find space to share our unique cultures,” said Mayor Rick Blangiardi in a statement. “A big mahalo to the Hawai‘i Kyudo Foundation for their extensive work organizing and executing this effort, all while incorporating the immediate community in their efforts. Like a kyudo archer, they draw their bow not necessarily to destroy their target but to master themselves. This is truly an embodiment of living with purpose, harmony, and the quiet power of aloha. We are eagerly looking forward to seeing this community resource become a reality so that everyone can enjoy this unique facility."
In addition to nurturing the kyudo community, the campus could also host other community and cultural events such as hula and lua (Hawaiian martial arts), the city noted.
“We are grateful for the support of the community, and especially for the generosity of several leading construction firms who have stepped forward to underwrite much of the cost of building the project,” added HKF Board Member Bob Dewitz.
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter!
