Bon dance · Paʻauilo, Big Island · From 6 PM
Pāʻauilo Hongwanji Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Paauilo Hongwanji Mission
Date
What to expect
A Jōdo Shinshū (Shin Buddhism) temple in the heart of the historic Hāmākua sugarcane district, Paauilo Hongwanji Mission was established in 1913 when Paʻauilo and Kukaiau separated from the Honokaa Hongwanji Mission — a split driven by a growing Japanese plantation-worker population and the difficulty of travel across the district. Its annual bon dance is one of the smaller, community-rooted obon gatherings on the Big Island summer circuit.
The Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple's taiko group has traveled to perform at the Paauilo bon dance in documented years, including 2014 and 2018, bringing live taiko drumming to the evening.
Program highlights
- Founded 1913, splitting from Honokaa Hongwanji as plantation community grew
- Kona Hongwanji taiko group has performed here (2014 and 2018 documented)
Plan your weekend on Big Island
While you’re out for Pāʻauilo 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; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.