Bon dance · Hāwī, Big Island · From 6 PM
Hāwī Jodo Mission Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Hāwī Jodo Mission
Date
What to expect
Hāwī Jodo Mission traces its roots to 1905, when priests first served Japanese sugar plantation workers in the Kohala district; the current temple, built in 1932 from timber salvaged from the original 1909 structure, reflects that plantation-era heritage. The mission belongs to the Jodo Shu school of Pure Land Buddhism, one of the traditions whose priests established rural mission communities throughout Hawaiʻi during the plantation era.
The Obon service features a taiko performance by the Kohala Okinawa Taiko Group, connecting the evening to North Kohala's local performing arts community. After the bon dance, the community continues Obon with a Fune Nagashi boat-floating ceremony at nearby Mahukona Beach Park.
Program highlights
- Temple built 1932 from timber salvaged from the original 1909 plantation-era structure
- Kohala Okinawa Taiko Group performs at the Obon service
- Fune Nagashi boat-floating ceremony held at Mahukona Beach Park
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Hāwī 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.