Bon dance · Lāhainā, Maui · 5 PM – 9 PM
Lāhainā Obon Festival 2026
Hosted by Joint Lahaina temple community
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.
- 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
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
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Good to know
When is Lāhainā Obon Festival?
Lāhainā Obon Festival is scheduled for Friday, August 14, 2026, 5 PM – 9 PM.
Where is Lāhainā Obon Festival?
You'll find Lāhainā Obon Festival at Joint Lahaina temple community, Lāhainā Jodo Mission, 12 Ala Moana St, Lāhainā, HI 96761 in Lāhainā, Maui.
Will there be food at Lāhainā Obon Festival?
Likely yes; 2025 official/event coverage cited local eats, vendors, games
What should I know about parking or access?
2025 Maui coverage said to follow parking signage / volunteer direction
Should I confirm Lāhainā Obon Festival before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on 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/. 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; 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.