MākekeMaps

Saturday · 7 PM – 10 PM

Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission Bon Dance

Saturday, July 18, 2026

Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission Bon Dance is listed for Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission in Wahiawā, Oahu, 7 PM – 10 PM.

Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission was founded in 1904, its earliest congregation drawn from Japanese plantation workers at the Kawailoa sugar camp on Oahu's North Shore. As the plantation era wound down and the camp closed, the mission relocated to California Avenue in Wahiawā in 1976, where it has continued as one of nine Soto Zen temples in Hawaii serving the local Japanese-American community for more than a century.

The two-night bon dance features Ryugen Taiko performing live both evenings. Temple food booths serve chicken hekka, teriyaki chicken, bento, hamburger curry bowl, chili bowl, S&S saimin, fried noodles, barbecue teri hamburger, shave ice, makizushi, and fresh andagi — with a 'backdoor kitchen' drawing its own dedicated line for chicken hekka, hamburger curry, and chili that typically sells out within an hour of opening. Food purchases are cash only.

  • Temple founded 1904; relocated from Kawailoa plantation camp in 1976
  • Ryugen Taiko performs live both evenings
  • Backdoor kitchen chicken hekka sells out within the first hour
  • Overflow parking at Ka'ala Elementary School; cash only

Food & vendors: Chicken hekka, teriyaki chicken, bento, hamburger curry bowl, chili bowl, S&S saimin, fried noodles, barbecue teri hamburger, shave ice, makizushi, and fresh andagi from temple food booths; cash only

Parking & access: Overflow parking at Ka'ala Elementary School; cash only for food

Also held: Friday, July 17, 2026

Plan your weekend on Oahu

While you’re out for Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission 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 Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission Bon Dance?

Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission Bon Dance is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, 7 PM – 10 PM.

Where is Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission Bon Dance?

You'll find Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission Bon Dance at Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission, Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission, 164 California Ave, Wahiawā, HI 96786 in Wahiawā, Oahu.

Will there be food at Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission Bon Dance?

Chicken hekka, teriyaki chicken, bento, hamburger curry bowl, chili bowl, S&S saimin, fried noodles, barbecue teri hamburger, shave ice, makizushi, and fresh andagi from temple food booths; cash only

What should I know about parking or access?

Overflow parking at Ka'ala Elementary School; cash only for food

Should I confirm Wāhiawā Ryusenji Soto Mission Bon Dance before going?

Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; SOTOZEN official; 2025 event page. 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.
Read the full bon dance guide

Sources: Verification source; Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.