Saturday · 7 PM – 10 PM
Wāhiawā Hongwanji Bon Dance
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Wāhiawā Hongwanji Bon Dance is listed for Saturday, June 13, 2026 at Wāhiawā Hongwanji Mission in Wahiawā, Oahu, 7 PM – 10 PM.
Wāhiawā Hongwanji Mission traces its origins to around 1908, when Japanese plantation workers in Central Oahu established one of the island's first Jodo Shinshu (Shin Buddhist) congregations. The current temple building dates to 1949, and the annual bon dance has been a community fixture for generations, honoring ancestors in the Shin Buddhist tradition of gratitude.
The evening centers on dancing around a central yagura tower to live taiko drumming. Temple members bring back beloved homemade staples — mochi, taiyaki, shave ice, and a country store — while a lineup of local food vendors and a craft market featuring florals and handmade gifts rounds out the night.
- Jodo Shinshu temple founded ~1908 by Central Oahu plantation workers
- Two-night dance to live taiko drumming around a central yagura tower
- Temple volunteers sell homemade mochi and taiyaki; country store returns each year
- Craft market with florals and handmade gifts alongside local food vendors
Food & vendors: Homemade mochi, taiyaki, shave ice, and country store from temple volunteers; andagi, plate lunches, poke bowls, baked goods, and boba from local food vendors
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Good to know
When is Wāhiawā Hongwanji Bon Dance?
Wāhiawā Hongwanji Bon Dance is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, 7 PM – 10 PM.
Where is Wāhiawā Hongwanji Bon Dance?
You'll find Wāhiawā Hongwanji Bon Dance at Wāhiawā Hongwanji Mission, Wāhiawā Hongwanji Mission, 1067 California Ave, Wahiawā, HI 96786 in Wahiawā, Oahu.
Will there be food at Wāhiawā Hongwanji Bon Dance?
Homemade mochi, taiyaki, shave ice, and country store from temple volunteers; andagi, plate lunches, poke bowls, baked goods, and boba from local food vendors
Should I confirm Wāhiawā Hongwanji Bon Dance before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; Honpa Hongwanji temple locator. 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.