Bon dance · Hilo, Big Island · 7 PM – 10 PM
Hilo Meisho-in Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Hilo Meisho-in
Date
What to expect
Hilo Meisho-in is a Jodo Shu (Pure Land Buddhism) temple founded in 1908 by Rev. Kanseki Shimizu, one of the earliest Japanese Buddhist missions established to serve plantation-era immigrants on Hawaiʻi Island. Shimizu built the Hondo (main temple altar) and a warehouse on Piopio Street in Hilo in 1911. The current building dates to 1964—the original structure on Piopio Street was destroyed by the tsunami that inundated Hilo following the 1960 Chilean earthquake.
The bon dance draws participants in happi coats and cotton yukata who circle the yagura (raised platform stage) to taiko drumming and live music from string and wind instruments performed atop the stage. A temple service precedes the evening's dancing, and andagi along with other festival food are sold as a fundraiser for the temple.
Program highlights
- Jodo Shu temple founded 1908 by Rev. Kanseki Shimizu to serve plantation-era immigrants
- Dancers circle the yagura to taiko and live string and wind instruments
- Andagi and festival food sold as a temple fundraiser
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Andagi and festival food sold as a temple fundraiser
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Hilo Meisho-in 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; Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.