Saturday · 7 PM – 10 PM
Soto Mission of Hawaiʻi Bon Dance
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Soto Mission of Hawaiʻi Bon Dance is listed for Saturday, August 15, 2026 at Soto Mission of Hawaiʻi Shoboji in Honolulu, Oahu, 7 PM – 10 PM.
Founded in 1913 by Rev. Hosen Isobe, Shoboji is the Soto Zen betsuin (regional headquarters) for Hawaii, and has anchored its Nuuanu Avenue campus since 1953. As one of Honolulu's oldest Japanese Buddhist institutions, its annual obon is among the city's most historically rooted bon dances, drawing visitors to the shaded Nuuanu Valley neighborhood.
Each evening features taiko performances by Somei Taiko and Hawaiʻi Matsuri Taiko alongside Eisa Shinyuu Kai. A temple concession stand serves teriyaki chicken plate, chili rice, fried noodles, saimin, chili dog, hot dog, teri burger, and nachos; payment is cash only.
- Soto Zen betsuin for Hawaii, founded 1913 on Hall Street
- Live taiko by Somei Taiko and Hawaiʻi Matsuri Taiko each night
- Eisa Shinyuu Kai performs alongside the bon dance
- Cash-only temple food booths with plate lunches and saimin
Food & vendors: Teriyaki chicken plate, chili rice, chili dog, hot dog, teri burger, fried noodles, saimin, and nachos from the temple concession stand (cash only; menu subject to change)
Parking & access: Overflow parking available at SEEQS, Honpa Hongwanji, and Mission School
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for Soto Mission of Hawaiʻi Bon Dance, 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 Hawaiʻi Bon Dance?
Soto Mission of Hawaiʻi Bon Dance is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, 2026, 7 PM – 10 PM.
Where is Soto Mission of Hawaiʻi Bon Dance?
You'll find Soto Mission of Hawaiʻi Bon Dance at Soto Mission of Hawaiʻi Shoboji, Soto Mission of Hawaiʻi, 1708 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96817 in Honolulu, Oahu.
Will there be food at Soto Mission of Hawaiʻi Bon Dance?
Teriyaki chicken plate, chili rice, chili dog, hot dog, teri burger, fried noodles, saimin, and nachos from the temple concession stand (cash only; menu subject to change)
What should I know about parking or access?
Overflow parking available at SEEQS, Honpa Hongwanji, and Mission School
Should I confirm Soto Mission of Hawaiʻi Bon Dance 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; Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.