Bon dance · Pāʻia, Maui · 7 PM – 10 PM
Pāʻia Mantokuji Soto Mission Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Pāʻia Mantokuji Soto Mission
Date
What to expect
Founded in 1906 to serve Maui's Japanese plantation community, Pāʻia Mantokuji is one of the oldest Soto Zen temples on the island. The mission was established by Reverend Sokyo Ueoka alongside immigrant plantation workers, and has held obon observances as a pillar of community life for generations.
The obon draws hundreds of north shore residents, with performances by Zenshin Daiko and Maui Taiko before the community bon dance around the yagura. Food concessions open on the temple grounds before the dance begins, and the event is free and open to Buddhist and non-Buddhist attendees alike. The annual obon serves as one of the temple's primary fundraisers.
Program highlights
- Zenshin Daiko and Maui Taiko perform before the community bon dance
- Founded 1906 by Japanese plantation workers; Soto Zen sect
- Free admission; open to Buddhist and non-Buddhist attendees
- Overflow parking at Paia Community Center across the street
Plan your visit
Parking & access: Overflow parking across the street at Paia Community Center and Paia Hawaiian Protestant Church.
Plan your weekend on Maui
While you’re out for Pāʻia Mantokuji Soto Mission 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; Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.