Waimea Shingon Mission Bon Dance 2026

In June 1908, plantation-era Japanese immigrants in Waimea completed a small worship hall called Waimea Daishido. The property was purchased in 1925, and a new temple and living quarters were dedicated on January 31, 1926. On May 4, 1928, the Koyasan Shingon Mission Head Temple in Japan granted the official name Waimea Shingonji. A fire in March 1976 destroyed the entire temple and facilities, which were later rebuilt. The mission is the only Shingon-sect temple on Kauai.

The two-night festival draws hundreds of attendees for bon dancing and an extensive food lineup. Recent years' menus have included flying saucers, andagi, the Anda-Dawg (an andagi pronto pup), yakitori, curry and rice — including Michiko's famous curry — nishime plate, roast pork plate, maze sushi, cone sushi, and shave ice. Food service opens before dancing begins on both nights.