Friday · 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Waimea Shingon Mission Bon Dance
Friday, June 26, 2026
Waimea Shingon Mission Bon Dance is listed for Friday, June 26, 2026 at Waimea Shingon Mission in Waimea, Kauai, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
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.
- Founded in 1908 as Waimea Daishido by plantation-era Japanese immigrants
- The only Shingon-sect temple on Kauai
- Two-night festival drawing hundreds of attendees each year
- Extensive food booths open both evenings before dancing begins
Food & vendors: Flying saucers, andagi, Anda-Dawg (andagi pronto pup), yakitori, curry and rice, nishime plate, roast pork plate, maze sushi, cone sushi, and shave ice from temple food booths
Parking & access: Shuttle vans from Waimea Hongwanji Mission to the event have helped ease limited on-site parking in recent years
Plan your weekend on Kauai
While you’re out for Waimea Shingon 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 Waimea Shingon Mission Bon Dance?
Waimea Shingon Mission Bon Dance is scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
Where is Waimea Shingon Mission Bon Dance?
You'll find Waimea Shingon Mission Bon Dance at Waimea Shingon Mission, Waimea Shingon Mission, 9770A Pule Rd, Waimea, HI 96796 in Waimea, Kauai.
Will there be food at Waimea Shingon Mission Bon Dance?
Flying saucers, andagi, Anda-Dawg (andagi pronto pup), yakitori, curry and rice, nishime plate, roast pork plate, maze sushi, cone sushi, and shave ice from temple food booths
What should I know about parking or access?
Shuttle vans from Waimea Hongwanji Mission to the event have helped ease limited on-site parking in recent years
Should I confirm Waimea Shingon Mission Bon Dance before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; Kauai Buddhist Council; Waimea Shingon site; 2024 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.
Sources: Verification source; Verification source; Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.