Friday
Shingon Shu Hawaiʻi Obon
Friday, August 7, 2026
Shingon Shu Hawaiʻi Obon is listed for Friday, August 7, 2026 at Shingon Mission of Hawaiʻi in Honolulu, Oahu.
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.
- 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)
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.
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Good to know
When is Shingon Shu Hawaiʻi Obon?
Shingon Shu Hawaiʻi Obon is scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, but the source has not published a time yet.
Where is Shingon Shu Hawaiʻi Obon?
You'll find Shingon Shu Hawaiʻi Obon at Shingon Mission of Hawaiʻi, Shingon Mission of Hawaiʻi, 915 Sheridan St, Honolulu, HI 96814 in Honolulu, Oahu.
Will there be food at Shingon Shu Hawaiʻi Obon?
Likely yes; prior official/linked pages mention food/live performances
What should I know about parking or access?
Prior-year social note referenced HMSA validation parking; not official for 2026
Should I confirm Shingon Shu Hawaiʻi Obon before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on 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. 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: 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 temple before you go.