Bon dance · Honolulu, Oahu
Shingon Shu Hawaiʻi Obon 2026
Hosted by Shingon Mission of Hawaiʻi
What to expect
The Shingon Mission of Hawaiʻi traces its origins to 1911, when Japanese immigrant families organized a Shingon Buddhist community near Thomas Square in Honolulu, relocating to the current Sheridan Street site in 1912; the present temple building was constructed between 1915 and 1918 by master builder Nakagawa Katsutaro. The mission is rooted in esoteric Shingon Buddhism, historically affiliated with the Koyasan tradition, and served as a gathering place for Nikkei immigrants and their descendants through the plantation era and beyond. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.
The two-night obon celebration at this Ala Moana–area temple has featured bon dancing, taiko performances, food booths, and community activities in prior years.
Program highlights
- Two-night event with bon dancing and taiko performances
- Temple community organized 1911; current building dates to 1915–1918
- Listed on the National Register of Historic Places (2002)
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Likely yes; prior official/linked pages mention food/live performances
Parking & access: Prior-year social note referenced HMSA validation parking; not official for 2026
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for Shingon Shu Hawaiʻi 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: JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; official mission site; prior official-linked event page; https://www.honolulumagazine.com/oahu-bon-dance-schedule/; https://www.jcchawaii.org/resources/2026-obon-schedule. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.