Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance 2026

One of Oʻahu's older Higashi Honganji congregations, the mission traces its roots to 1922 as Moililiili Fukyosho on South King Street, reorganizing under the Higashi Honganji sect when Rev. Tenran Mori arrived in 1925. Displaced by construction of what became the H-1 Lunalio Freeway, the congregation relocated to Pālolo Valley in 1962 and in 1973 formally renamed itself Palolo Hongwanji — retaining its Higashi Honganji lineage.

The two-night dance features live taiko drumming from the temple's own yagura gumi alongside a social-hall marketplace of crafts, Japanese goods, food stalls, and shopping from small businesses and community organizations, with family-friendly games rounding out the evening. Food booths serve BBQ sticks, yakisoba, mochi, cone sushi, saimin, smoothies, and musubi. Free overflow parking is available at nearby Chaminade University of Honolulu, with a shuttle running from 4:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.