Friday · 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance
Friday, June 26, 2026
Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance is listed for Friday, June 26, 2026 at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin in Honolulu, Oahu, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin, established in 1906 as the headquarters of all Hongwanji temples in Hawaiʻi, belongs to the Nishi (West) Hongwanji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, with ties to the Nishi Hongwanji head temple in Kyoto. The Hongwanji mission in Hawaiʻi took root alongside Japanese plantation immigration, with the first Hongwanji temple in the islands dedicated in 1889. The Betsuin claims the distinction of hosting the first bon dance on Oʻahu in 1925, and remains a touchstone for the tradition across the islands.
The two-night festival opens with a taiko drumming performance outside at 6:00 PM, an opening aspiration from the yagura at 6:15 PM, and community dancing at 6:30 PM. Alongside the dance, the event features a bontique shop, professional photography by Studio FX3, temple tours, and a kids' Wheel of Chances game. Food booths offer BBQ plates and bowls, hot dogs, teri hamburgers, saimin, chili, soy beans, spam musubi, shave ice, andagi (Saturday only), and baked goods. Temple access is from Lusitana Street rather than the Pali Highway frontage.
- First bon dance on Oʻahu hosted here in 1925
- Headquarters of all Hongwanji temples in Hawaiʻi since 1906
- Two-night dance with live taiko opening each evening
- Bontique shop, temple tours, and kids' game alongside dancing
Food & vendors: BBQ plates and bowls, hot dogs, teri hamburgers, saimin, chili, soy beans, spam musubi, shave ice, andagi (Saturday only), and baked goods
Parking & access: Official venue page notes contact/location; event-specific parking details not posted
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
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Good to know
When is Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance?
Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance is scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, 6:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
Where is Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance?
You'll find Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin, Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin, 1727 Pali Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96813 in Honolulu, Oahu.
Will there be food at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance?
BBQ plates and bowls, hot dogs, teri hamburgers, saimin, chili, soy beans, spam musubi, shave ice, andagi (Saturday only), and baked goods
What should I know about parking or access?
Official venue page notes contact/location; event-specific parking details not posted
Should I confirm Honpa Hongwanji Hawaiʻi Betsuin Bon Dance before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; HHMH locator; Hawaiʻi Betsuin official site. Event dates and times can change, so confirm with the host before you go.
About bon dances
Bon dance (bon odori) is the centerpiece of obon, the Japanese Buddhist season honoring ancestors. In Hawaii the tradition arrived with plantation-era immigrants and became its own local institution — most temples across the islands hold a dance on a summer weekend between June and September, and the whole community turns out.
The setup is consistent: a yagura (a raised tower) anchors the temple yard, taiko drummers and singers keep the beat, and dancers move in concentric circles around the tower. You don't need to know the steps or be Buddhist to join — follow the circle, copy the person ahead of you, and you'll pick it up by the second song. Around the edges you'll find food booths selling andagi, plate lunches, shave ice, and saimin, plus craft and game tables.
- No experience needed — step into the circle and follow along.
- Come hungry; the food booths are half the reason people go.
- Bring small cash for food, games, and craft tables.
- Dances run rain or shine and are free to attend.
Sources: Verification source; Verification source; Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.