Wat Khmer Hawaii Buddharam

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The story of Wat Khmer Hawaii Buddharam would be incomplete without honoring the visionaries and founders whose devotion brought it into being. Their journey is one of perseverance, faith, and deep love for the Dharma.

We pay tribute to Venerable Vin Kol, the elder monk who courageously renounced a life once filled with comfort and joy. You let go of simple pleasures—the warmth of family laughter, the companionship of your beloved wife, the taste of shared meals, and life’s familiar comforts—to walk once again on the sacred monastic path. You embraced simplicity, humility, and alms practice, not for yourself, but out of compassion for others—your children, grandchildren, family, friends, and the wider Buddhist community. Through your sacrifice, you offered us a path toward less suffering, greater kindness, and a life of deeper purpose. Your devotion continues to illuminate our way.

We honor Kan Pot, whose quiet generosity speaks volumes. Even when she had little, she gave freely—offering her last meal or final pennies with the belief that someone else might be in greater need. Her selflessness is a living example of true compassion and dana (giving).

We also recognize Bunthoeun Vin and Seap Sy, who left behind a life of comfort and success in Atlanta, Georgia, to seek something greater. Despite their achievements, they felt a deeper calling—one that led them to Hawaii in search of inner peace through meditation and spiritual practice. Their journey reminds us that true fulfillment comes not from material success, but from the stillness and wisdom found within.

Together, these individuals embody the spirit and foundation of Wat Khmer Hawaii Buddharam—a place built on sacrifice, generosity, and unwavering faith.

For those who wish to learn more about the temple’s beginnings, we kindly invite you to request a booklet from our Abbot, where the full history of the Wat Khmer Hawaii Buddharam Foundation is lovingly preserved.