Bon dance · Hākalau, Big Island · 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Hākalau Jodo Mission Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Hākalau Jodo Mission
Date
What to expect
Founded in 1904 by Japanese plantation workers on land donated by the Hakalau Plantation, this Jōdo-shū Buddhist mission has served the Hāmākua Coast community for over 120 years. Listed on the Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places in 2018, the 1936 temple building is documented in its register nomination as an East-West Buddhist temple blending Renaissance, Mughal, and Japanese architectural elements, and it stands near the cliffs overlooking the Hāmākua Coast.
The evening begins with an Obon memorial service led by Rev. Junshin Miyazaki, followed by Bon Odori dancing guided by the Tsukikage Odorikai dance group and the Hilo Bon Dance Club. Taiko musicians accompany the dancing throughout the night. At recent festivals, roughly 50 people danced at any given time while about 200 others visited, ate, and watched. If weather becomes an issue, the dance moves indoors to the social hall.
Program highlights
- Tsukikage Odorikai dance group and Hilo Bon Dance Club lead the Bon Odori
- Taiko musicians accompany the dancing throughout the evening
- About 50 dancers and 200 visitors at recent festivals
- Rain plan: dance moves indoors to the social hall
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Thai Angels food truck, Poi Balls food truck, and mission concession stand
Parking & access: Limited street parking; temple is situated in a residential subdivision
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Hākalau Jodo Mission 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. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.