Saturday · 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Līhuʻe Hongwanji Bon Dance
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Līhuʻe Hongwanji Bon Dance is listed for Saturday, June 20, 2026 at Līhuʻe Hongwanji Mission in Līhuʻe, Kauai, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
Founded in 1900 to serve Japanese plantation workers, Līhuʻe Hongwanji is one of Kauaʻi's oldest Japanese institutions and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A Jōdo Shin (Pure Land) temple affiliated with the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, it holds a two-night Obon celebration each summer, welcoming people of all ages and religious backgrounds regardless of Buddhist affiliation or dance experience.
The evening opens with a brief bon service at 6:45 p.m. before taiko drumming and circle dancing around the central yagura begin at 7:30 p.m. The food booth and Country Store open at 6 p.m., offering flying saucers, pronto pups, andagi, assorted bento, snacks, and dinner plates. The temple also presents a Honoring Ancestors lantern program, displaying personalized remembrance ribbons on the temple's lanai throughout the celebration. The event is cash-only with no outside food or pop-up tents permitted.
- Founded 1900 to serve Kauaʻi's Japanese plantation workers
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Honoring Ancestors lantern program with remembrance ribbons on temple lanai
- Cash-only; no outside food or pop-up tents permitted
Food & vendors: Flying saucers, pronto pups, andagi, assorted bento, snacks, and dinner plates from temple food booths (open 6 p.m.)
Parking & access: Handicapped parking with placards reserved on temple grounds; traffic monitors direct crossing along Kuhio Highway; cash-only, no outside food or pop-up tents
Plan your weekend on Kauai
While you’re out for Līhuʻe Hongwanji Bon Dance, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
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Good to know
When is Līhuʻe Hongwanji Bon Dance?
Līhuʻe Hongwanji Bon Dance is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
Where is Līhuʻe Hongwanji Bon Dance?
You'll find Līhuʻe Hongwanji Bon Dance at Līhuʻe Hongwanji Mission, Līhuʻe Hongwanji Mission, 3-3556 Kuhio Hwy, Līhuʻe, HI 96766 in Līhuʻe, Kauai.
Will there be food at Līhuʻe Hongwanji Bon Dance?
Flying saucers, pronto pups, andagi, assorted bento, snacks, and dinner plates from temple food booths (open 6 p.m.)
What should I know about parking or access?
Handicapped parking with placards reserved on temple grounds; traffic monitors direct crossing along Kuhio Highway; cash-only, no outside food or pop-up tents
Should I confirm Līhuʻe Hongwanji Bon Dance before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; Kauai Buddhist Council; HHMH locator. 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: Verification source; Verification source; Verification source; Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.