Rendering of the kyudojo facility planned in the undeveloped area of Mau‘umae Nature Park in Kaimukī. Images courtesy Hawai‘i Kyudo Foundation

Hawai‘i Kyodo Foundation creating the multi-use Japanese archery facility in Mau‘umae Nature Park

News Release from City and County of Honolulu October 21, 2025

A public-private partnership is taking aim at creating O‘ahu’s first public kyudojo in Kaimukī, a training center (dojo) for the traditional Japanese martial art of archery (kyudo).

The Hawai‘i Kyudo Foundation (HKF) and the City and County of Honolulu are teaming up to activate  0.57 acres of undeveloped park land, in the mauka-section of Mau‘umae Nature Park near 16th Avenue and Claudine Street, with the construction and maintenance of the kyudojo.

This unique recreation and education facility will consist of several stylized structures intended for the practice and teaching of kyudo Japanese archery; a form of martial arts which focuses both on the physical discipline and spiritual cultivation inherent in this style of shooting bows and arrows. While intended to foster and grow the kyudo community, the campus will also be capable of hosting other community and cultural events such as hula and lua (Hawaiian martial arts).

Kyudo japanese archery demonstration at Mau‘umae Nature Park

“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. “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.”

The kyudojo campus include a target bank (matoba), 28-meter arrow path (yamichi), and an open-air shooting house (shajo) with an attached bathroom and classroom.  It also includes a 19-stall parking lot, a Japanese garden, and landscaping utilizing native plants, replacing the current expanse of mostly invasive, fire-prone species on this undeveloped area of the nature park.   

“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. “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.”

“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.

Mayor Blangiardi, members of the Hawai‘i Kyudo Foundation, and their donors at the public announcement of the kyudojo effort at Mau‘umae Nature Park.

HKF is funding and constructing the $850,000 facility, which will be gifted to the City when completed. Scheduled to break ground in early 2026, with the first archery lessons in the completed facility by Summer 2026, 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

The kyudojo is scheduled to be open three-days-a-week for about four hours daily, with a rangemaster supervising safety. The facility will be fenced to prevent unauthorized entry, and restrict stray arrows from passing out of the yamichi.

For more information on the project online, please visit: hawaiikyudofoundation.org

If you need an auxiliary aid/service, other accommodations due to a disability, or an interpreter for a language other than English in reference to this announcement, please contact the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. or email parks@honolulu.gov at least three business days before the scheduled event. Without sufficient advanced notice, it may not be possible to fulfill requests.

—PAU—