Friday · 7 PM – 10 PM
Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji Obon
Friday, July 31, 2026
Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji Obon is listed for Friday, July 31, 2026 at Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji in Waipahu, Oahu, 7 PM – 10 PM.
Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji is one of Hawai’i’s early Soto Zen temples, its origins tied to the Japanese plantation workers who settled in Waipahu in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Formally affiliated with the Soto Mission of Hawaii, the temple has marked obon season for more than a century, gathering descendants of those early laborers to honor their ancestors through prayer and dance.
The two-night festival is anchored by live taiko drumming from the yagura, food booths offering hand-made andagi, and a sumie and shodo (ink painting and calligraphy) exhibition that runs alongside the dancing. A small number of community vendors also attend. Admission is free.
- Plantation-era Soto Zen temple affiliated with the Soto Mission of Hawaii
- Over a century of obon tradition in plantation-era Waipahu
- Live taiko drumming from the yagura both nights
- Sumie and shodo (ink painting and calligraphy) exhibition
Food & vendors: Hand-made andagi from temple food booths
Parking & access: Limited parking on-site; overflow parking available at Waipahu Christian Church nearby
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Good to know
When is Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji Obon?
Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji Obon is scheduled for Friday, July 31, 2026, 7 PM – 10 PM.
Where is Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji Obon?
You'll find Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji Obon at Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji, Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji, 94-413 Waipahu St, Waipahu, HI 96797 in Waipahu, Oahu.
Will there be food at Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji Obon?
Hand-made andagi from temple food booths
What should I know about parking or access?
Limited parking on-site; overflow parking available at Waipahu Christian Church nearby
Should I confirm Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji Obon before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; SOTOZEN official. 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: JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; SOTOZEN official. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.