Bon dance · ʻAiea, Oahu · 7 PM – 10 PM
ʻAiea Hongwanji Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by ʻAiea Hongwanji Mission
Date
What to expect
Founded in 1902, ʻAiea Hongwanji Mission is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhist temple established to serve Japanese sugarcane plantation workers and their families in central Oʻahu. The temple's first resident minister, Rev. Eun Miyaki, arrived that same year to lead the congregation, which has since grown into one of 35 branch temples of the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi.
The bon dance brings several performing groups to the temple grounds, including ʻAiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi and Hawaiʻi Eisa Shinyuu Kai, with ʻAiea Hongwanji Preschoolers and the Oʻahu Bon Dance Dancers also joining the circle. Alumni of Hyaku Sen Ki Kai Taiko open the evening with a performance at 6:30 p.m. Food booths offer chicken bento, andagi, and shave ice (cash only), and the grounds also host a craft fair, a children's games area, and a DIY uchiwa fan decorating table.
Program highlights
- Founded 1902; one of 35 Honpa Hongwanji branch temples on Oʻahu
- Hyaku Sen Ki Kai Taiko alumni open with a performance at 6:30 p.m.
- Features ʻAiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi and Hawaiʻi Eisa Shinyuu Kai
- DIY uchiwa fan decorating table and children's games area
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Chicken bento, andagi, and shave ice from temple food booths; cash only
Parking & access: Offsite parking available after 6 p.m. at ʻAiea United Methodist Church on Uahi St. and St. Elizabeth Catholic Church on Kamakani St.
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for ʻAiea Hongwanji Bon Dance, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
Farmers markets this weekend
What’s worth a trip this weekend
One email a week: the makers worth seeking out, pop-ups, and Hawai‘i cultural events worth planning around.
Sources: Verification source; Verification source; Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.