Bon dance · Honokaa, Big Island · 7 PM – 9 PM
Hāmākua Jodo Mission Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Hāmākua Jodo Mission
Date
What to expect
Founded in 1896 under Reverend Gakuo Okabe, a Jodo Shu priest assigned to serve Hāmākua Coast plantation workers. The original structure was replaced in 1918 by a temple built by Umekichi Tanaka, a miya daiku (shrine and temple carpenter), using traditional joinery without nails and featuring intricately carved koa wood transoms and altar.
The bon dance is now the mission's main annual gathering, keeping a small aging congregation rooted in over a century of community history. Recent festivals have featured live taiko drumming by Taishoji Taiko, lighted lantern hanging in honor of departed loved ones, a photo booth, games and door prizes alongside food trucks — all free and open to the public. The cemetery on the grounds also holds the grave of Katsu Goto, a revered defender of Japanese immigrant laborers' rights.
Program highlights
- Jodo Shu mission founded 1896 by Rev. Gakuo Okabe
- 1918 temple built without nails with carved koa wood altar
- Live taiko drumming by Taishoji Taiko; lighted lantern hanging
- Cemetery holds gravesite of labor advocate Katsu Goto
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Food trucks
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Hāmākua 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. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.