Laie Hawaii Temple: Open House November 6 2010

Tony and I had the opportunity to visit the Mormon Temple in Laie. I was so happy he agreed to go with me. They are not usually open to the public, the only time the general public is allowed inside is before they are dedicated. This Temple has been closed for two years for renovations that were being done inside, the work has been completed and we were able to go on a guided tour before it is once again closed to the public. We saw the Celestial room which represents our eternal home in God's Kingdom, reminding us of the rewards of faithful devotion. It is the largest and most ornate room in the temple and is usually on the top floor, brightly lit and is elevated higher than the other rooms to represent God's Kingdom. We also were able to visit my favorite room, the Sealing Room. In this room a bride and groom are sealed together for time and all eternity, not until death do us part.  Mirrors are placed on the walls across from each other, so the couple can symbolically see themselves together through eternity. The Laie Hawaii Temple was the first temple built outside of the continental United States. At just 10,500 square feet it is the smallest temple the Church had ever constructed. The Temple sits on the original Mormon landholdings of Hawaii known as Laie Plantation which is 6,000 acres and was purchased in 1865. The temple design is suggestive of the ancient temples found in South American-shaped like a Grecian cross with no tower. Tony and I really enjoyed the tour and after completing it we went to the Polynesian Cultural Center to finish our evening.