Bon dance · Kealakekua, Big Island
Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission
- When
- Jul 11, 2026From 3 PM
- Where
- Kealakekua, Big IslandGet directions
- Host
- Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission
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, July 11, 2026, From 3 PM
What to expect
Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission traces its roots to 1914, when Rev. Kaiseki Kodama established the first Kona Soto Mission; the current temple was dedicated in 1921. One of Kona's oldest Soto Zen Buddhist temples, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Kona Heritage building. The annual bon dance is held each summer on the second Saturday of July.
The evening centers on communal bon dancing around the yagura to live drumming by the temple's own Kona Daifukuji Taiko group. The taiko group also runs a snack booth as a fundraiser for the youth program; past offerings have included curry stew with rice, teri burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, shave ice, preserved fruits, baked goods, and assorted drinks. The temple gift shop is open throughout the event. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
Program highlights
- One of Kona's oldest Soto Zen Buddhist temples, founded 1914
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Live taiko by Kona Daifukuji Taiko; snack booth funds youth program
- Annual tradition held on the second Saturday of July
Plan your visit
- Food & vendors
- Curry stew with rice, teri burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, shave ice, preserved fruits, and baked goods from the Kona Daifukuji Taiko snack booth; temple gift shop open with snacks and drinks
- Parking & access
- Parking on the temple lawn until full; additional parking up above the temple
Farmers markets this weekend
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission 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
One email a week: the makers worth seeking out, pop-ups, and Hawai‘i cultural events worth planning around.