Bon dance · Honomū, Big Island
Honomū Henjoji Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Honomū Henjoji
- When
- Jun 13, 20264 PM – 8 PM
- Where
- Honomū, Big IslandGet directions
- Host
- Honomū Henjoji
Sources
Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go. Historical dates reflect advertised schedules; a past date alone does not confirm the event took place.
Date
- Saturday, June 13, 2026, 4 PM – 8 PM
What to expect
Honomū Henjoji traces its roots to 1912, when Japanese plantation workers on the Hamakua Coast organized a Daishiko — a layperson prayer circle in the Koyasan Shingon tradition — before ordained priests arrived from Japan. One of the oldest Buddhist congregations on the Big Island, the mission anchors the quiet plantation-era village of Honomū and draws the surrounding rural community together each summer for Obon.
The annual Bon Dance Festival opens at 2 p.m. with a Hatsubon and Obon memorial service; the community bon dance begins at 4 p.m. with live music by the Hilo Bon Dance Club. The mission's concession stand serves saimin, Spam musubi, chili with rice, baked goods, and hot dogs.
Program highlights
- Founded 1912 as a Daishiko layperson prayer circle in the Koyasan Shingon tradition
- Memorial service at 2 p.m.; community bon dance 4–8 p.m.
- Live music by the Hilo Bon Dance Club
- Concession stand: saimin, Spam musubi, chili with rice, and baked goods
Plan your visit
- Food & vendors
- Saimin, Spam musubi, chili with rice, baked goods, and hot dogs from a mission concession stand
- Parking & access
- Parking available at Honomū Hongwanji Mission; from Highway 19, turn at the Akaka Falls turnoff
Farmers markets this weekend
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Honomū Henjoji Bon Dance, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
What’s worth a trip this weekend
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