Bon dance · Pearl City, Oahu · 6 PM – 9 PM
Rissho Kosei-kai Hawaiʻi Kyokai Obon 2026
Hosted by Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawaiʻi
What to expect
Rissho Kosei-kai is a lay Buddhist organization founded in Japan on March 5, 1938 by Nikkyo Niwano and Myoko Naganuma, rooted in the Lotus Sutra. Hawaii's connection began when Tomoko Ozaki, a Big Island coffee farmer, became the first member initiated outside Japan in 1951. The Pearl City church — one of three Hawaii dharma centers — opened in 1972, when founder Niwano enshrined the Statue of the Eternal Buddha Shakyamuni on site.
Food booths serve oden, BBQ plates, warabi mochi, ramen, shave ice, musubi, and chow fun across both evenings. Bon dance is led by the Young Okinawans of Hawaii. Visitors may also light a candle and place a name on the altar for ancestral prayer.
Program highlights
- Pearl City church opened in 1972 by RKK founder Niwano
- Two-night bon dance led by Young Okinawans of Hawaii
- Altar candle lighting with named offerings for ancestors
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Oden, BBQ plates, warabi mochi, ramen, shave ice, musubi, and chow fun from temple food booths
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for Rissho Kosei-kai Hawaiʻi Kyokai Obon, 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.