Bon dance · Waipahu, Oahu · 7 PM – 10 PM
Waipahu Hongwanji Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Waipahu Hongwanji Mission
Date
What to expect
Founded in 1902 to serve Japanese immigrant laborers at the Oahu Sugar Plantation, Waipahu Hongwanji is a Jodo Shinshu (Shin Buddhist) temple that has anchored the community for over a century. The current temple building was dedicated in 1952, and in 1980 the congregation purchased the 54,000-sq-ft grounds outright from the plantation's successor company. Its bon dance is consistently listed among Oahu's major summer celebrations.
The July 4 dance runs from 7 to 10 p.m. and draws a mix of temple volunteers and outside vendors. Temple booths have served beef stew, orange chicken, yakitori sticks, fried noodles, and shave ice; past dances have also featured Da Andagi Guy and Tamura's Super Market bento alongside lumpia and other community contributions.
Program highlights
- Jodo Shinshu temple founded 1902 to serve Oahu Sugar Plantation workers
- Congregation purchased its 54,000-sq-ft grounds from the plantation successor in 1980
- Single-night July 4 bon dance, 7–10 p.m.
- Temple and outside vendor food booths; cash only
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Beef stew, orange chicken, yakitori sticks, fried noodles, and shave ice; outside vendors including andagi and bento have appeared in past years.
Parking & access: Limited onsite parking; street parking available on Makoiko St. Cash only.
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for Waipahu Hongwanji Bon Dance, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
Farmers markets this weekend
What’s worth a trip this weekend
One email a week: the makers worth seeking out, pop-ups, and Hawai‘i cultural events worth planning around.
Sources: Verification source; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.