Bon dance · Honomū, Big Island · 4 PM – 8 PM
Honomū Henjoji Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Honomū Henjoji
Date
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
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.
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. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.