Friday · 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance
Friday, July 24, 2026
Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance is listed for Friday, July 24, 2026 at Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Mission in Honolulu, Oahu, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
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.
- Higashi Honganji lineage; officially renamed Palolo Hongwanji in 1973
- Free shuttle from Chaminade University of Honolulu, 4:45–9:45 p.m.
- Food stalls: yakisoba, mochi, cone sushi, saimin, musubi, and BBQ sticks
Food & vendors: BBQ sticks, yakisoba, mochi, cone sushi, saimin, smoothies, and musubi from temple food booths
Parking & access: Free parking at Chaminade University of Honolulu; shuttle service 4:45–9:45 p.m.
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance, 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 Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance?
Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance is scheduled for Friday, July 24, 2026, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Where is Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance?
You'll find Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance at Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Mission, Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Mission, 1641 Palolo Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816 in Honolulu, Oahu.
Will there be food at Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance?
BBQ sticks, yakisoba, mochi, cone sushi, saimin, smoothies, and musubi from temple food booths
What should I know about parking or access?
Free parking at Chaminade University of Honolulu; shuttle service 4:45–9:45 p.m.
Should I confirm Pālolo Higashi Hongwanji Bon Dance before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; Higashi temple directory. 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: Verification source; Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.