Friday · 7 PM – 10 PM
Higashi Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance
Friday, July 10, 2026
Higashi Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance is listed for Friday, July 10, 2026 at Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi in Honolulu, Oahu, 7 PM – 10 PM.
The Higashi Hongwanji Betsuin traces its roots to 1916, when Rev. Shingyo Doi established a temporary chapel in Honolulu's Kalihi-Palama neighborhood — one of Hawaiʻi's earliest Jodo Shinshu congregations and the head temple of the Higashi (Eastern) Hongwanji district in the state. Formally recognized as the Hawaii Betsuin in 1922, the mission relocated to its current Alaneo Street building in 1983.
The two-evening summer bon dance draws community members and visitors alike, with food booths opening at 5:30 p.m. and an opening ceremony at 6:30 before open-circle dancing begins at 7. Vendor stalls rotate offerings across the two nights — fresh andagi, shave ice and desserts, yakisoba with or without BBQ meat, hot ramen, and freshly fried croquettes appear both evenings, while Spam musubi is offered on Friday and chili rice on Saturday. The cafeteria hosts keiki activities including origami, fan painting, doll card making, and flower arranging alongside the dancing.
- Head temple of Hawaiʻi's Higashi (Eastern) Hongwanji district, founded 1916
- Food booths open 5:30 p.m.; opening ceremony 6:30; dancing 7–9:30 p.m.
- Keiki crafts in cafeteria: origami, fan painting, doll card making
- Friday-only Spam musubi; Saturday-only chili rice at food stalls
Food & vendors: Fresh andagi, yakisoba, hot ramen, fried croquettes, shave ice and desserts, Spam musubi (Friday), chili rice (Saturday), and drinks from temple food vendors
Parking & access: Free parking at adjacent Likelike Elementary School; street-level entry to venue
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for Higashi Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance, 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 Higashi Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance?
Higashi Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026, 7 PM – 10 PM.
Where is Higashi Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance?
You'll find Higashi Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance at Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaiʻi, Higashi Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin, 1685 Alaneo St, Honolulu, HI 96817 in Honolulu, Oahu.
Will there be food at Higashi Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance?
Fresh andagi, yakisoba, hot ramen, fried croquettes, shave ice and desserts, Spam musubi (Friday), chili rice (Saturday), and drinks from temple food vendors
What should I know about parking or access?
Free parking at adjacent Likelike Elementary School; street-level entry to venue
Should I confirm Higashi Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; Higashi official directory/site. 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: Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.