Bon dance · Lāhainā, Maui · 5 PM – 9 PM
Lāhainā Obon Festival 2026
Hosted by Joint Lahaina temple community
Date
What to expect
The Lahaina Community Bon Dance is a joint observance by three West Maui Buddhist congregations — Lahaina Jodo Mission, Lahaina Hongwanji, and Lahaina Shingon Mission. Lahaina Jodo Mission was established in 1912 with the support of Japanese immigrants working in the area's sugar and pineapple plantations; Jodo Buddhism (the "Pure Land" tradition) was introduced to Hawaiʻi in 1894. All three temples were destroyed in the August 2023 Lahaina wildfire, and the joint community revived the festival on the historic Jodo Mission grounds in 2025 for the first time since.
The 2025 return drew hundreds to the temple grounds for traditional bon dancing and live Maui Taiko drumming. Local food and craft vendors were on hand, with shaved ice and garlic noodles among the offerings.
Program highlights
- Lahaina Jodo Mission established 1912 by Japanese sugar and pineapple plantation workers
- Joint community dance by Lahaina Jodo, Hongwanji, and Shingon missions
- Live Maui Taiko drumming featured at the obon
- 2025 marked the first return to temple grounds after the 2023 Lahaina wildfire
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Likely yes; 2025 official/event coverage cited local eats, vendors, games
Parking & access: 2025 Maui coverage said to follow parking signage / volunteer direction
Plan your weekend on Maui
While you’re out for Lāhainā Obon Festival, 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: JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; 2025 JCCH event page; 2025 Maui coverage; https://www.jcchawaii.org/resources/2026-obon-schedule; https://mauinow.com/2026/06/05/2026-maui-bon-dance-schedule-annual-buddhist-observance-honors-loved-ones-embraces-gratitude/. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.