Bon dance · Hōnaunau / Kealakekua area, Big Island · From 7 PM
Keei Buddhist Church Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Keei Buddhist Church
Keei Buddhist Church stands on Middle Keei Road in the rural Hōnaunau community of South Kona. The 2025 Honolulu Star-Advertiser Big Island obon schedule identifies the dance as "Keei Hongwanji (Kona Hongwanji)," placing it within the Jodo Shinshu mission network centered at Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in nearby Kealakekua. Per historical event listings on the Kona Hongwanji website, the evening follows a traditional three-part obon structure: a cemetery memorial service, a formal bon service, and then the community bon dance beginning at 7 p.m.
- Listed as 'Keei Hongwanji' within Kona Hongwanji Jodo Shinshu network
- Evening opens with cemetery service and bon service before the dance
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Good to know
When is Keei Buddhist Church Bon Dance?
Keei Buddhist Church Bon Dance is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, From 7 PM.
Where is Keei Buddhist Church Bon Dance?
You'll find Keei Buddhist Church Bon Dance at Keei Buddhist Church, Keei Buddhist Church, 83-5569 Middle Keei Rd, Hōnaunau, HI 96726 in Hōnaunau / Kealakekua area, Big Island.
Should I confirm Keei Buddhist Church Bon Dance before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; Kona Hongwanji newsletter / prior official listing; https://www.jcchawaii.org/resources/2026-obon-schedule. 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: JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; Kona Hongwanji newsletter / prior official listing; https://www.jcchawaii.org/resources/2026-obon-schedule. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.