Bon dance · Kealakekua, Big Island · From 6 PM
Kona Hongwanji Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Kona Hongwanji Mission
Date
What to expect
Kona Hongwanji Mission was established in 1897 in Hookena to serve Japanese immigrants working South Kona's coffee farms. The congregation relocated to Kainaliu within two years, then moved to its current Kealakekua site in 1906, with the temple dedicated in 1907. A Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land) Buddhist temple affiliated with the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, it celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2022 with a bon dance drawing members across generations.
The temple's own taiko ensemble provides the drumming that anchors the bon dance, with participants ranging from keiki (children) to kupuna (elders) joining the traditional Obon circle dance under lantern light. The evening also includes food booths and craft booths alongside the dancing.
Program highlights
- Founded 1897 in Hookena for South Kona coffee-farm plantation workers
- Temple maintains its own taiko ensemble
- Evening includes food booths and craft booths alongside dancing
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Kona Hongwanji 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. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.