Bon dance · Hilo, Big Island · 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Hilo Taishoji Soto Mission Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Hilo Taishoji Soto Mission
Date
What to expect
Taishoji Soto Mission was established in 1916 in downtown Hilo, founded by Japanese immigrants drawn largely from the island's sugar plantation workforce — approximately 800 community members joined at its founding. Originally named Hakuhozan Taishoji, it is a Soto Zen Buddhist mission whose head temples are Eihei-ji and Soji-ji in Japan; the English name was formalized in 1955. The temple has maintained obon observances as a cornerstone community tradition for over a century.
The bon dance features live performance by Taishoji Taiko, a kumi-daiko drumming ensemble founded at the temple in 1989 under the direction of Yoshihumi Ono. The group grew from its origins as a bon dance accompaniment into a regionally recognized ensemble known for blending traditional and contemporary taiko styles. Food concessions on the temple grounds offer chili rice, shave ice, and andagi.
Program highlights
- Temple founded 1916 by Japanese immigrant plantation workers
- Live kumi-daiko by Taishoji Taiko, founded at the temple in 1989
- Food concessions include chili rice, shave ice, and andagi
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Chili rice, shave ice, and andagi from temple food concessions
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Hilo Taishoji Soto 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: JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; SOTOZEN Hawaii office/temple list; https://www.jcchawaii.org/resources/2026-obon-schedule; https://bigislandnow.com/events/event/a6u1k4r8f4m9b/; http://www.taishoji.org/. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.