Bon dance · Makawao, Maui · From 7 PM
Makawao Hongwanji Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Makawao Hongwanji Mission
What to expect
Pa'ia Hongwanji Mission opened in 1907 to serve Japanese plantation workers in Upcountry Maui — the ancestor congregation of today's Makawao Hongwanji Mission, which was formally dedicated in 1971 as the plantation camp era closed. The mission absorbed several surrounding plantation-camp Jodo Shinshu (Pure Land) congregations, including the Pauwela Hongwanji, which merged officially on January 1, 1974.
The two-night Obon draws the broader Makawao community — Buddhist and non-Buddhist alike. Maui Taiko and Zenshin Daiko have been traditional performers at the festival. Food booths serve chow fun, manju, andagi, and shave ice. Boy Scout Troop 180 has sold pickled peaches and hand-made mini-chochin memorial lanterns at the event. Each evening opens with a Dharma service before the circle dancing begins.
Program highlights
- Maui Taiko and Zenshin Daiko are traditional festival performers
- Temple formally dedicated 1971 from merged plantation-era Jodo Shinshu congregations
- Boy Scout Troop 180 sells pickled peaches and mini-chochin memorial lanterns
- Dharma service precedes the circle dancing each evening
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Chow fun, manju, andagi, and shave ice from temple food booths
Plan your weekend on Maui
While you’re out for Makawao 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.