Friday · 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
West Kauai Hongwanji Hanāpēpē Bon Dance
Friday, July 24, 2026
West Kauai Hongwanji Hanāpēpē Bon Dance is listed for Friday, July 24, 2026 at West Kauai Hongwanji Mission in Hanapēpē, Kauai, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
A Jodo Shin (Pure Land) Buddhist congregation, the West Kauai Hongwanji Mission formed in 1997 through the consolidation of three west-side temples—Hanapepe, Waimea, and Koloa—to better serve a shrinking but committed community. The Hanapepe congregation itself dates to 1909, when it was established to minister to Japanese plantation workers in ʻEleʻele, Port Allen, and surrounding areas.
The two-night dance is held on the temple's spacious grass lawn adjacent to the Hanapepe Public Library, with bon odori dancing and food and game booths on both Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Jodo Shinshu congregation with roots tracing to 1909 Japanese plantation workers
- Mission formed 1997 through consolidation of Hanapepe, Waimea, and Koloa temples
- Two-night dance on spacious grass-lawn grounds adjacent to Hanapepe Public Library
Parking & access: Spacious grass lawn with relatively ample parking off Kaumualii Highway (Hwy. 50).
Plan your weekend on Kauai
While you’re out for West Kauai Hongwanji Hanāpēpē Bon Dance, see who else is open — and meet the makers and farmers behind Hawai‘i’s markets.
Farmers markets this weekend
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Good to know
When is West Kauai Hongwanji Hanāpēpē Bon Dance?
West Kauai Hongwanji Hanāpēpē Bon Dance is scheduled for Friday, July 24, 2026, 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM.
Where is West Kauai Hongwanji Hanāpēpē Bon Dance?
You'll find West Kauai Hongwanji Hanāpēpē Bon Dance at West Kauai Hongwanji Mission, Hanapepe Hongwanji Temple, 1-3860 Kaumualii Hwy, Hanapēpē, HI 96716 in Hanapēpē, Kauai.
What should I know about parking or access?
Spacious grass lawn with relatively ample parking off Kaumualii Highway (Hwy. 50).
Should I confirm West Kauai Hongwanji Hanāpēpē Bon Dance before going?
Yes. Our listing is based on JCCH 2026 statewide schedule; Kauai Buddhist Council; HHMH locator. 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. Dates and times can change — confirm with the temple before you go.