Jodo Mission of Hawaiʻi Bon Dance 2026

Founded in 1907 to serve Japanese plantation-era immigrants, the Jodo Mission of Hawaiʻi is the Betsuin — headquarters — of 13 Jodo Shu temples statewide. Its Makiki Street temple, built in 1932, anchors the Jōdo-shū tradition in Honolulu; the sect, emphasizing nembutsu recitation for rebirth in Amida Buddha's Pure Land, first reached Hawaiʻi in 1894 and spread rapidly through immigrant communities.

The evening opens with a taiko performance by Dragon Beat at 4:30 p.m., followed by the bon dance from 5:05 p.m. through 9:30 p.m. Temple food booths serve maki sushi, garlic chicken bento, spam musubi, saimin, hot dog, chili bowl, yaki mochi, andagi, and shave ice; children's games are offered alongside the dance.

Food & vendors: Maki sushi, garlic chicken bento, spam musubi, saimin, hot dog, chili bowl, yaki mochi, andagi, and shave ice from temple food booths

Parking & access: On-site parking closes at 3:30 p.m. and reopens at dance end (handicap turnaround at entrance). Overflow parking at Hawaii Mission Academy Ka Lama Iki School, Shriners Hospital for Children, and Central Union Church (Punahou Street side paved parking and Ewa lawn, after 5 p.m.).