Saturday · 5 PM – 9 PM
Autumn Matsuri
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Autumn Matsuri is listed for Saturday, August 29, 2026 at Senwa Kai / Palama Settlement in Honolulu, Oahu, 5 PM – 9 PM.
Senwa Kai, an Okinawan cultural organization, hosts the Autumn Matsuri at Pālama Settlement — a social service center that has anchored Honolulu's Kalihi-Pālama neighborhood since 1896. Listed in the JCCH statewide schedule as an Okinawan Festival bon dance, the event brings Okinawan dance tradition into the annual obon season at this historic community venue.
- Okinawan festival bon dance organized by cultural group Senwa Kai
- Held at Pālama Settlement, a Kalihi-Pālama community center since 1896
- Listed in JCCH statewide obon schedule and Honolulu Magazine Oahu calendar
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While you’re out for Autumn Matsuri, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
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Good to know
When is Autumn Matsuri?
Autumn Matsuri is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, 5 PM – 9 PM.
Where is Autumn Matsuri?
You'll find Autumn Matsuri at Senwa Kai / Palama Settlement, 810 N Vineyard Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96817 in Honolulu, Oahu.
Should I confirm Autumn Matsuri before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; https://www.jcchawaii.org/resources/2026-obon-schedule; https://www.honolulumagazine.com/oahu-bon-dance-schedule/. Event dates and times can change, so confirm with the host before you go.
About bon dances
Bon dance (bon odori) is the centerpiece of obon, the Japanese Buddhist season honoring ancestors. In Hawaii the tradition arrived with plantation-era immigrants and became its own local institution — most temples across the islands hold a dance on a summer weekend between June and September, and the whole community turns out.
The setup is consistent: a yagura (a raised tower) anchors the temple yard, taiko drummers and singers keep the beat, and dancers move in concentric circles around the tower. You don't need to know the steps or be Buddhist to join — follow the circle, copy the person ahead of you, and you'll pick it up by the second song. Around the edges you'll find food booths selling andagi, plate lunches, shave ice, and saimin, plus craft and game tables.
- No experience needed — step into the circle and follow along.
- Come hungry; the food booths are half the reason people go.
- Bring small cash for food, games, and craft tables.
- Dances run rain or shine and are free to attend.
Sources: JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; https://www.jcchawaii.org/resources/2026-obon-schedule; https://www.honolulumagazine.com/oahu-bon-dance-schedule/. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.