Honokāʻa Hongwanji Bon Dance 2026

Founded in 1904 to serve Japanese sugar-cane workers across the Hāmākua district, Honoka'a Hongwanji is a Jodo Shinshu temple listed on the Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation registry and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021. Originally called Hamakua Hongwanji because it ministered to the entire district, the mission was renamed in 1913 when the growing Japanese immigrant population and difficult transportation led communities in Paauilo and Kukaiau to establish their own temples.

The evening opens with a Community Memorial Service in the social hall at 5:30 p.m. — anyone may submit names of loved ones and offer incense, and participants of any faith are welcome. The outdoor bon dance follows at 7 p.m. in the parking lot, lit by strings of lighted paper lanterns, with circle dancing around a central yagura tower to live taiko performed by the Taishoji Taiko Drum group of Hilo. Attendees are encouraged to wear happi coats to join the circle.