History

In the early 1900’s Yemyo Imamura, the second Bishop of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i (HHMH), first wrote about developing a Buddhist private school. A pioneer who perceived a harmony between Buddhist and democratic principles, Imamura believed that the Buddha’s teachings should be transmitted in the U.S. through education.

Six years ago, with encouragement from current HHMH Bishop Chikai Yosemori, plans were created for a small, Buddhist high school. Its purpose would be to nurture generations of intelligent, self-aware leaders with the courage, skills, and compassion to create a peaceful world.  A generous $1.5 million donation from the Nishi Hongwanji headquarters in Japan made it possible to renovate two buildings that now house classroom and office facilities. In the fall of 2003, PBA opened its doors to the first class of fourteen students. 

Today, Pacific Buddhist Academy is a small, independent, college preparatory high school, and the first Shin Buddhist high school in the western world. Licensed by the Hawai‘i Association of Independent Schools, PBA is in the process of being fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.  In fall 2006, nearly sixty students will be enrolled at Pacific Buddhist Academy in grades nine through twelve; in spring 2007 PBA’s first class will graduate.

Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i Bishop Yemyo Imamura (1899-1932)

Honpa Hongwanji ministers and first class of PBA students at the opening service in 2003.

Current Bishop, Chikai Yosemori, at the opening celebration.