Bon dance · Honolulu, Oahu · 5 PM – 10 PM
Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Bon Dance / Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest 2026
Hosted by Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Mission
Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Mission, established in 1906, is an early Honpa Hongwanji temple on Oʻahu, affiliated with the Nishi (West) Hongwanji branch of Jōdo Shinshū Buddhism — a tradition brought to Hawaiʻi during the plantation-era immigration of the late 19th century. The temple co-produces its annual bon dance as the anchor of the Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest, a community street festival first held around 2014 and now in its 13th edition.
The evening takes over the Old Varsity Building Parking Lot and Coyne Street, drawing an estimated 10,000 attendees. The Taiko Center of the Pacific performs, and multiple bon dance groups — including Hawaiʻi Shin Kobukai and the Honolulu Fukushima Bon Dance Club — lead circle dancing beginning at 6 p.m. Temple food booths operate alongside more than 60 local food vendors and artisans. The festival is produced in partnership with Kamehameha Schools, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi, Mōʻiliʻili Community Center, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.
- Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Mission established 1906, Jōdo Shinshū (Nishi Hongwanji) lineage
- 13th annual edition in 2026; co-produced with JCCH, Kamehameha Schools, and UH Mānoa
- Taiko Center of the Pacific performs; bon circle dancing begins at 6 p.m.
- Free admission; free shuttle from UH Mānoa parking structure
Food & vendors: Likely yes; 2025 event had major vendor/food footprint
Parking & access: Free parking at UH Mānoa parking structure (1323 Lower Campus Road via Dole St; tell gate attendant you are attending the festival); free shuttle between lot and festival 4:00–10:30 p.m.
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While you’re out for Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Bon Dance / Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest, 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 Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Bon Dance / Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest?
Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Bon Dance / Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, 5 PM – 10 PM.
Where is Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Bon Dance / Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest?
You'll find Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Bon Dance / Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest at Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Mission, 1633 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826 in Honolulu, Oahu.
Will there be food at Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Bon Dance / Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest?
Likely yes; 2025 event had major vendor/food footprint
What should I know about parking or access?
Free parking at UH Mānoa parking structure (1323 Lower Campus Road via Dole St; tell gate attendant you are attending the festival); free shuttle between lot and festival 4:00–10:30 p.m.
Should I confirm Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Bon Dance / Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; Mōʻiliʻili official site; 2025 Oʻahu Bon Dance listing; 2025 local coverage; https://www.jcchawaii.org/resources/2026-obon-schedule; https://hoodline.com/2026/05/crowds-to-swarm-mo-ili-ili-as-honolulu-s-biggest-bon-dance-takes-over-july-4/; https://www.moiliilisummerfest.org/; https://www.honolulumagazine.com/oahu-bon-dance-schedule/; https://www.yelp.com/biz/moiliili-summer-festival-and-bon-dance-honolulu. 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: JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; Mōʻiliʻili official site; 2025 Oʻahu Bon Dance listing; 2025 local coverage; https://www.jcchawaii.org/resources/2026-obon-schedule; https://hoodline.com/2026/05/crowds-to-swarm-mo-ili-ili-as-honolulu-s-biggest-bon-dance-takes-over-july-4/; https://www.moiliilisummerfest.org/; https://www.honolulumagazine.com/oahu-bon-dance-schedule/; https://www.yelp.com/biz/moiliili-summer-festival-and-bon-dance-honolulu. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.