Pāʻia Rinzai Zen Mission Bon Dance 2026

Founded in 1932 by Okinawan priest Rev. Nanshin Okamoto, Pāʻia Rinzai Zen Mission traces its roots to the plantation immigration era; the temple describes itself as the only Rinzai Zen temple in the United States surviving from that period. The original mission building was completed in time for Obon that summer, and parishioners of Okinawan descent danced their first bon dance on the same grounds the year the mission was built.

The evening opens with a Buddhist memorial service at 6:00 PM followed by bon odori dancing at 7:00 PM. The dance reflects the Okinawan Buddhist heritage of the founding congregation — a style drawn from Uchinanchu tradition, distinct from the Japanese mainland bon dance styles practiced at other Maui temples. Food booths at past events have served Okinawan specialties including pig's feet soup, shoyu pork, chow fun, andagi, and andadog (a hot dog deep-fried in andagi batter), along with vegetables, fruits, and baked goods.

Food & vendors: Okinawan pig's feet soup, shoyu pork, chow fun, andagi, andadog, vegetables, fruits, and baked goods