Bon dance · Kahului, Maui · From 7 PM
Puʻunene Nichiren Mission Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Puʻunene Nichiren Mission
Date
What to expect
Puʻunene Nichiren Mission was founded on November 11, 1922, by Rev. Genyu Oba (Temmyoin Nichirai Shonin), who established the congregation amid the sugar cane fields that defined Puʻunene's plantation landscape. The land was offered by William McGerrow, chief accountant for Hawaii Commercial and Sugar Company; when other temples declined the remote location due to its distance from town, Rev. Oba accepted and built the mission to serve the area's Japanese immigrant community. The temple follows the Nichiren-Shu Buddhist tradition, centered on veneration of the Lotus Sutra.
The annual obon opens with a service honoring ancestors before traditional odori dancing gets underway. Food booths at past events have offered manju, chow fun, pork and salmon plates, and beef curry bowls.
Program highlights
- Founded November 11, 1922 by Rev. Genyu Oba amid plantation-era sugar cane fields
- Nichiren-Shu Buddhist temple established to serve the Japanese plantation community
- Evening opens with an ancestor memorial service before odori dancing
- Food booths offer manju, chow fun, pork and salmon plates, and curry bowls
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Yes; prior Maui event page listed manju, chow fun, plates, curry
Parking & access: Prior Maui event page notes access via West Hawaii off Puʻunene Ave
Plan your weekend on Maui
While you’re out for Puʻunene Nichiren 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. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.