Bon dance · Pearl City, Oahu · 3:45 PM – 9 PM
MegaBon 2026
Hosted by JCI Honolulu / Todaiji Hawaiʻi
Date
What to expect
MegaBon was launched in 2023 by JCI Honolulu and Todaiji Hawaiʻi Bekkaku Honzan — a Nuʻuanu temple affiliated with the historic Tōdai-ji of Nara, Japan, head temple of the Kegon sect. The festival was created to rekindle interest in bon dancing in Hawaiʻi and to support local performers and vendors. By its third year (2025) it drew roughly 18,000 attendees, with organizers anticipating 20,000 for 2026.
The evening centers on a 16-foot-by-16-foot yagura (raised platform) where Ryugen Taiko delivers a taiko half-time show before five bon dance groups lead open-circle dancing. More than 100 local food, craft, and game vendors create a Japanese street-festival atmosphere alongside a beer garden. A cultural-exchange opening ceremony pairs Hawaiian hula — featuring Hālau Ka Waikahe Lani Mālie and Hālau Kahulaliwai — with Japanese taiko drumming.
Program highlights
- Founded 2023 to rekindle bon dance; drew ~18,000 attendees in year three
- 16×16-ft yagura with Ryugen Taiko half-time show and five bon dance groups
- Cultural-exchange opening: Hawaiian hula paired with Japanese taiko drumming
- City extends Skyline rail service hours to Hālaulani LCC station for the event
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Yes; official site lists food + beer garden
Parking & access: Free parking stated on 2025 volunteer page; ADA likely on campus
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for MegaBon, 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; Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.