2018 Bon Dance Calendar
The summer Obon season perpetuates the Buddhist tradition of commemorating ancestors during the Festival of Lanterns.
In Hawaii, bon dances have become a cultural event with food, activities, vendors and traditional Japanese dancing open to the entire community.
Here is a list of this year’s events around the state:
OAHU
>> Hawaii’s Plantation Village: June 2, 5:45 p.m. on the Village Lawn, 94-695 Waipahu St., with re-dedication ceremony of Gannenmono Plaque at 4 p.m. and food booths from 4:30 p.m. Free admission and parking. Info: 677-0110.
>> Haleiwa Jodo Mission: June 15-16, 7 to 10 p.m., 66-279A Haleiwa Road, with Toba service 6 p.m. both nights and Toro Nagashi (floating lantern ceremony) at 9 p.m. June 16 only. Info: 637-4382.
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>> Ewa Hongwanji Mission: June 16, 7 to 10 p.m., 91-1133 Renton Road, with service at 6 p.m.; food booths open at 5:30 p.m. Info: 542-1770.
>> Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission: June 22-23, 6:45 p.m., 1067 California Ave. Info: 622-4320.
>> Kaneohe Public Library: June 24, 1 to 3 p.m., 45-829 Kamehameha Highway, with free lesson and practice session by members of Koolau Sakura Odori Kai and Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji. Info: 233-5676.
>> Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin: June 29-30, 6 p.m., 1727 Pali Highway. Info: 536-7044.
>> Moiliili Hongwanji Mission: July 6-7, 5 to 10 p.m., 1110 University Ave. (old Varsity Theatre parking lot). Info: moiliilihongwanji.org.
>> Moiliili Summer Fest: July 7, 5 to 10 p.m. (in conjunction with the bon dance), with keiki games, cultural activities, entertainment and retail pop-ups at Moiliili Hongwanji Mission. Free parking at UH-Manoa with shuttle service from 4 to 10 p.m. Info: moiliilisummerfest.com.
>> Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji: July 7, 6:30 to 10 p.m., 45-520 Kea‘ahala Road, with Shin Buddhist ceremony at 6 p.m.; food booths open at 5:30 p.m. Free parking at Benjamin Parker Elementary School. Info: 247-2661.
>> Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawaii: July 13-14, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., 2280 Auhuhu St., Pearl City; food booths open 6 p.m. with games and a rummage sale. Info: 455-3212.
>> Koboji Shingon Mission: July 13-14, 7 to 10:30 p.m., 1223B N. School St. Parking available at Damien Memorial School from 3 to 11 p.m. Info: 841-7033.
>> Shinshu Kyokai Mission: July 13-14, 7 to 10:30 p.m., 1631 S. Beretania St., with service at 6:30 p.m. both nights; food booths open 6 p.m. Info: 973-0150.
>> Haleiwa Shingon Mission: July 13-14, 7 to 10:30 p.m., 66-469 Paalaa Road, with Great Stupa service 6 to 8:30 p.m. on both nights. Info: 637-4423.
>> Waipahu Hongwanji Mission: July 14, 7 p.m., 94-821 Kuhaulua St., with service at 6 p.m. Info: 677-4221.
>> Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii: July 15, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., Jisso Center, 47-451 Hui Aeko Place, Kaneohe, with service (in English and Japanese) from 9:30 to 11:15 a.m. and potluck to follow. Info: 537-6965.
>> Jikoen Hongwanji Mission: July 20, 6 to 9:30 p.m.; and July 21, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., 1731 N. School St. (corner of Likelike Highway and N. School Street), with keiki games and educational displays. Free parking at Kapalama Elementary School. Info: 845-3422.
>> Higashi Hongwanji Betsuin: July 20-21, 7 to 10 p.m., 1685 Alaneo St., with Gannenmono “10,000-lantern” Mantoe service at 6:30 p.m.; food booths open at 5:30 p.m. Info: 531-9088.
>> Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission: July 20-21, 7 to 10 p.m., 164 California Ave.; food booths open 5:30 p.m., with Ryugen Taiko July 20 at 8 p.m. and Okinawan dance July 21 at 8:25 p.m. Info: 622-1429.
>> Waianae Hongwanji Mission: July 21, 7 p.m., 85-762 Old Government Road, with service at 6 p.m. Info: 677-4221.
>> Palolo Hongwanji: July 27-28, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., 1641 Palolo Ave., with service at 6 p.m. both nights; food booths open at 5:30 p.m. Free parking at Sacred Hearts Academy from 5:30 p.m.; shuttle service available. Info: 732-1491.
>> Kailua Hongwanji Mission: July 28, 6 p.m., 268A Kuulei Road. Info: 262-4560.
>> Koganji Temple: Aug. 3-4, 5 to 10 p.m., 2869 Oahu Ave., Manoa, with children’s lantern parade, Aug. 3 at 5:30 p.m.; sign-up begins at 4:45 p.m. Info: 732-0446.
>> Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji: Aug. 3-4, 7 to 10 p.m., 94-413 Waipahu St., with taiko performance Aug. 3 at 8 p.m. and Okinawan bon dance Aug. 4 at 8 p.m. Info: 671-3103.
>> Valley of the Temples: Aug. 4, 4 to 9 p.m., Byodo-in Temple parking lot, 47-200 Kahekili Highway, with floating lantern ceremony from 8 to 9 p.m. Info: 239-8811.
>> Waialua Hongwanji Mission: Aug. 4, 7 p.m., 67-313 Kealohanui St., with service at 6 p.m. Info: 637-4395.
>> Shingon Shu Hawaii: Aug. 10-11, 6:30 to 10 p.m., 915 Sheridan St., with keiki games. Free parking at the HMSA building with validation at the temple. Info: 941-5663.
>> Pearl City Hongwanji Mission: Aug. 10-11, 7 to 10 p.m., 858 2nd St., with food booths and country store from 5:30 p.m. Hatsubon service, Aug. 11 only at 5:30 p.m. Info: 455-1680.
>> Soto Mission of Aiea — Taiheiji: Aug. 10-11, 7 to 10:30 p.m., 99-045 Kauhale St., with taiko at 6:30 p.m. both nights, and Okinawan bon dance Aug. 11 only at 9 p.m. Info: 488-6794.
>> Jodo Mission of Hawaii: Aug. 17-18, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., 1429 Makiki St. Info: 949-3995.
>> Mililani Hongwanji Mission: Aug. 17-18, 7 p.m., 95-257 Kaloapau St., with silent auction and country store. Children’s lantern parade Aug. 17 at 6:45 p.m.; and food trucks on Aug. 18. Info: 625-0925.
>> Soto Mission of Hawaii—Shoboji: Aug. 17-18, 7 to 10 p.m., 1708 Nuuanu Ave., with taiko Aug. 17 at 8:30 p.m. and Okinawan bon dance Aug. 18 at 8:30 p.m. Info: 537-9409.
>> Kapahulu Center: Aug. 25, 6 to 10 p.m., 3410 Campbell Ave., with food booths, crafts and keiki activities from 4 p.m. Info: 737-1748.
>> Nichiren Mission of Hawaii: Aug. 25, 6 to 9 p.m., 33 Pulelehua Way, Nuuanu; food booths open at 5 p.m. Free parking at Toho No Hikari Hawaii Church and shuttle service from 4 to 10 p.m. Info: 595-3517.
>> Aiea Hongwanji Mission: Aug. 25, 7 p.m., 99-186 Puakala St., with service at 6 p.m. Info: 487-2626.
>> Honbushin Odori Festival: Sept. 8, 5-9 p.m., Honbushin International Center, 95-030 Waihonu St., Mililani. Info: 623-7693, honbushin.us.
HAWAII ISLAND
Please call ahead to confirm events are taking place as the ongoing Kilauea Volcano eruption might affect scheduling.
>> “Obon in the Gardens”: June 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Liliuokalani Gardens, with keiki crafts, taiko and matsuri dancing, and bon dance lessons. Info: 808ne.ws/2rSTCQ3.
>> Keauhou Shopping Center: June 9, 6 to 10 p.m. Info: 322-3000.
>> Honomu Henjoji Mission: June 16, 7 to 10:30 p.m., 28-1668 Old Mamalahoa Highway. Info: 963-6308.
>> Papaikou Hongwanji Mission: June 23, 7 p.m., 27-378 Old Mamalahoa Highway, with service at 6 p.m. Info: 964-1640.
>> Honomu Hongwanji Mission: June 30, 7 p.m., 28-1658 Government Main Road, with service at 6 p.m. Info: 963-6032.
>> Puna Hongwanji Mission: July 6-7, 7:30 p.m., 16-492 Old Volcano Road, Kea‘au, with service at 6 p.m. both nights. Info: 966-9981.
>> Kohala Hongwanji Mission: July 7, 7 p.m., 53-4300 Akoni Pule Highway, Kapaau, with service at 6 p.m. Info: 775-7232.
>> Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin: July 13-14, 7 p.m., 398 Kilauea Ave., with service at 6 p.m. both nights. Info: 961-6677.
>> Daifukuji Soto Mission in Kona: July 14, 7 to 10 p.m., 79-7241 Mamalahoa Highway. Info: 322-3524.
>> Kohala Jodo Mission: July 14, 7 p.m., 54-541 Kapaau Road. Info: 775-0965.
>> Paauilo Hongwanji Mission: July 14, 7:30 p.m., 43-1477 Hauola Road, with service at 6:30 p.m. Info: 776-1369.
>> Honokaa Hongwanji Mission: July 21, 7 p.m., 45-516 Lehua St., with service at 5:30 p.m. Info: 775-7232.
>> Keei Buddhist Temple: July 21, 7 p.m., 83-5569 Middle Keei Road, Captain Cook. Info: 323-2993.
>> Hilo Meishoin: July 21, 7 p.m., 97 Olona St. Info: 935-6996.
>> Hilo Daijingu: July 27, 6 to 10 p.m., 10 Anela St., with service at 5 p.m. Info: 959-8611.
>> Papaaloa Hongwanji Mission: July 28, 6 p.m., 35-2026 Old Mamalahoa Highway, with service at 5 p.m. Info: 962-6340.
>> Kona Hongwanji Mission: July 28, 7 p.m., 81-6630 Mamalahoa Highway, Kealakekua. Info: 323-2993.
>> Hilo Hooganji Mission: July 28, 7:30 p.m., 457 Manono St. Info: 935-8331.
>> Hawi Jodo Mission: Aug. 4, 6 p.m., 55-1104 Akoni Pule Highway. Info: 775-0965.
>> Kurtistown Jodo Mission: Aug. 4, 7 p.m., 17-420 Kuaaina Road. Info: 935-6996.
>> Paauilo Kongoji Mission: Aug. 4, 7 p.m., 43-1461 Hauola Road. Info: 963-6308.
>> Taishoji Soto Mission: Aug. 4, 7 to 10 p.m., 275 Kinoole St., Hilo. Info: 935-8407.
>> Hilo Higashi Hongwanji Mission: Aug. 11, 6:30 p.m., 216 Mohouli St., with service at 6 p.m. Info: 935-8968.
>> Hamakua Jodo Mission: Aug. 11, 7 p.m., 44-2947 Kalopa Road, Honokaa. Info: 775-0965.
>> Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission: Aug. 11, 7 p.m., 76-5945 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa. Info: 324-1741.
>> Hakalau Jodo Mission: Aug. 18, 7 p.m., 29-2271 Old Mamalahoa Highway. Info: 935-6996.
>> Kamuela Hongwanji Mission: Aug. 18, 7 p.m., 65-1110 Mamalahoa Highway, with service at 6 p.m. Info: 885-4481.
>> Honohina Hongwanji Mission: Aug. 25, 7 p.m., 32-896 Mamalahoa Highway, Ninole, with service at 6 p.m. Info: 345-6869.
>> Pahoa Nikkei Jin Kyokai: Aug. 25, 8 p.m., Pahoa YBA Hall on Pahoa Road. Info: 966-9981.
>> Pahala Hongwanji Mission: Sept. 1, 5 p.m., 96-1123 Pa‘auau Place, with service at 4 p.m. Info: 928-8254.
KAUAI
All bon dance times are 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
>> Kapaa Jodo Mission: June 8-9, 4524 Hauaala Road, with service at 6:30 p.m. both nights. Info: 822-4319.
>> West Kauai Hongwanji (Hanapepe): June 15-16, 1-3860 Kaumualii Highway, with service June 15 only at 6 p.m. Info: 335-3195.
>> Lihue Hongwanji Mission: June 22-23, 3-3530 Kuhio Highway, with service at 6:30 p.m. both nights. Info: 245-6262.
>> Waimea Shingon Mission: June 29-30, 9770A Pule Road, with service at 6:30 p.m. both nights. Info: 338-1854.
>> Koloa Jodo Mission: July 6-7, 3480 Waikomo Road. Info: 742-6735.
>> West Kauai Hongwanji (Waimea): July 13-14, 4675 Menehune Road, with service July 13 only at 6 p.m. Info: 335-3195.
>> Kapaa Hongwanji Mission: July 20-21, 4-1170 Kuhio Highway, with service at 6 p.m. July 20 only. Info: 822-4667.
>> Waimea Higashi Hongwanji: July 27-28, 9554 Kaumualii Highway, with service at 6 p.m. both nights. Info: 338-1847.
>> Kauai Soto Zen Temple-Zenshuji: Aug. 3-4, 1-3500 Kaumualii Highway, Hanapepe, with service at 6 p.m. and taiko performances at 7 p.m. both nights. Info: 245-2841, 346-4650.
MAUI
>> Lahaina Shingon Mission: June 2, 7:30 p.m., 682 Luakini St. Info: 661-0466.
>> Puunene Nichiren Mission: June 9, 7:30 to 10 p.m., 9 Ani St., with service at 6:30 p.m. Info: 871-4831.
>> Wailuku Jodo Mission: June 15, 7:30 p.m., 67 Central Ave. Info: 871-4911.
>> Wailuku Shingon Mission: June 16, 8 p.m., 1939 North St. Info: 244-3800.
>> Kahului Jodo Mission: June 22-23, 7:30 p.m., 325 Laau St. Info: 871-4911.
>> Lahaina Jodo Mission: July 7, 8 p.m., 12 Ala Moana St. Info: 661-4304.
>> Mantokuji Soto Mission of Paia: July 13-14, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., 253 Hana Highway. Info: 579-8051.
>> Kahului Hongwanji Mission: July 20-21, 7:30 p.m., 291 S. Puunene Ave., with services at 6 p.m. both nights. Info: 871-4732.
>> Makawao Hongwanji Mission: July 27-28, 7 p.m., 1074 Makawao Ave. Info: 572-7229.
>> Wailuku Hongwanji Mission: Aug. 3-4, 8 p.m., 1828 Vineyard St., with service at 6:45 p.m. both nights. Info: 244-0406.
>> Lahaina Hongwanji Mission: Aug. 10-11, 7:30 p.m., 551 Wainee St., with service at 6 p.m. both nights. Info: 661-0640.
>> Rinzai Zen Mission: Aug. 18, 7 p.m., 120 Alawai Road, Paia, with service at 6 p.m. Info: 579-9921.
>> Kula Shofukuji Shingon Mission: Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m., 113 Puanani Place. Info: 878-1833.
LANAI AND MOLOKAI
>> Lanai Hongwanji Mission: July 14, 7 p.m., 1364 Fraser Ave. Info: 565-6817.
>> Guzeiji Soto Mission of Molokai: July 28, 6:30 to 9 p.m., 90 Hotel Lane in Kaunakakai, with taiko performance at 8 p.m. Info: 658-0943.
Sources: Hawaii Buddhist Council; Soto Mission of Hawaii; Nichiren Mission of Hawaii; Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, and Koloa and Kapaa Jodo Mission.