Friday · From 7 PM
Makawao Hongwanji Bon Dance
Friday, July 24, 2026
Makawao Hongwanji Bon Dance is listed for Friday, July 24, 2026 at Makawao Hongwanji Mission in Makawao, Maui, From 7 PM.
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.
- 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
Food & vendors: Chow fun, manju, andagi, and shave ice from temple food booths
Plan your weekend on Maui
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Good to know
When is Makawao Hongwanji Bon Dance?
Makawao Hongwanji Bon Dance is scheduled for Friday, July 24, 2026, From 7 PM.
Where is Makawao Hongwanji Bon Dance?
You'll find Makawao Hongwanji Bon Dance at Makawao Hongwanji Mission, Makawao Hongwanji Mission, 1074 Makawao Ave, Makawao, HI 96768 in Makawao, Maui.
Will there be food at Makawao Hongwanji Bon Dance?
Chow fun, manju, andagi, and shave ice from temple food booths
Should I confirm Makawao Hongwanji Bon Dance before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; HHMH temple 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. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.