Bon dance · Hilo, Big Island · 6 PM – 7 PM
Life Care Center Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Life Care Center of Hilo
Date
What to expect
Hosted by a Hilo skilled nursing facility rather than a Buddhist temple, this bon dance opens the care center to the wider community each summer — a tradition that brings neighbors and families together to honor ancestors alongside residents. The event is listed annually on the statewide Obon schedule and takes place on the facility grounds on a Friday evening in August.
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Life Care Center 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.
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: Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.