Saturday · 7 PM – 10 PM
Soto Mission of ʻAiea Obon
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Soto Mission of ʻAiea Obon is listed for Saturday, August 8, 2026 at Soto Mission of ʻAiea Taiheiji in ʻAiea, Oahu, 7 PM – 10 PM.
Taiheiji traces its roots to 1904, when the Soto-shū sent Rev. Sogyo Ueoka from Japan to serve Japanese plantation workers at the Aiea Sugar Plantation. A permanent minister arrived in 1918 and oversaw construction of a temple on land leased from the Honolulu Sugar Company; the building—named Shinjuzan Taiheiji, meaning "Pearl Mountain, Temple of the Pacific"—was completed in 1924 and formally recognized by the Territory of Hawaii in 1927. The bon dance is held annually on the second Friday and Saturday of August, drawing hundreds of people each evening.
The bon dance opens with taiko drumming by Hawaii Matsuri Taiko and Taiheiji's own Somei Taiko Group before hundreds of dancers circle the yagura tower. A featured highlight is Okinawan Eisa led by Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai, a crowd draw that has built a devoted following over the past two decades. Food booths serve dinner plates, fried noodles, saimin, burgers, chili, drinks, and shave ice.
- Founded 1904 to serve Aiea Sugar Plantation workers; temple completed 1924
- Two-night dance held annually on the second Friday and Saturday of August
- Evening opens with Hawaii Matsuri Taiko and Taiheiji's own Somei Taiko Group
- Okinawan Eisa by Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai, a two-decade tradition
Food & vendors: Dinner plates, fried noodles, saimin, burgers, chili, drinks, and shave ice
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for Soto Mission of ʻAiea 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 Soto Mission of ʻAiea Obon?
Soto Mission of ʻAiea Obon is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026, 7 PM – 10 PM.
Where is Soto Mission of ʻAiea Obon?
You'll find Soto Mission of ʻAiea Obon at Soto Mission of ʻAiea Taiheiji, Soto Mission of ʻAiea Taiheiji, 99-045 Kauhale St, ʻAiea, HI 96701 in ʻAiea, Oahu.
Will there be food at Soto Mission of ʻAiea Obon?
Dinner plates, fried noodles, saimin, burgers, chili, drinks, and shave ice
Should I confirm Soto Mission of ʻAiea Obon before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; SOTOZEN official. 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. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.