Bon dance · Waipahu, Oahu · 5 PM – 9 PM
Autumn Okinawa Dance Festival 2026
Hosted by Hawaiʻi United Okinawa Association
Date
What to expect
The Hawaiʻi United Okinawa Association, founded in 1951 by descendants of Okinawan plantation workers who began arriving in 1900, built the Hawaiʻi Okinawa Center with over $9 million raised by its member clubs — opening in 1990 to mark 90 years of Okinawan immigration. This community-hosted dance is a more intimate counterpart to HUOA's sprawling late-summer Okinawan Festival, held annually at Kapiolani Park since 1982.
On the evening of the Matsuri, crowds dressed in kimono, happi coats, and eisa outfits gather at the center, dancing to the beat of taiko and swaying to the sounds of sanshin, with the call of "iya sassa-ha iyaa!" rising into the night. Traditional Okinawan numbers are woven with Japanese favorites for an evening of culture and fellowship. HUOA member clubs staff food booths selling andagi, Okinawan soba, spam musubi, taco rice, jimami tofu, bento, shave ice, bubble tea, and andadog, with food sales beginning at 4 p.m. Admission is free; donations are appreciated.
Program highlights
- Eisa dancing in kimono and happi coats to live taiko and sanshin
- Club food booths open at 4 p.m. ahead of the 5 p.m. program
- Free admission; coordinated by HUOA member club volunteers
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Andagi, Okinawan soba, spam musubi, taco rice, jimami tofu, bento, shave ice, bubble tea, and andadog from HUOA member club food booths
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for Autumn Okinawa Dance Festival, 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. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.