Bon dance · Kailua, Oahu · 7 PM – 10 PM
Windward Buddhist Temple Bon Dance 2026
Hosted by Windward Buddhist Temple
Date
What to expect
Established in 1968 as Kailua Hongwanji Mission, this Jodo Shinshu congregation is the only Buddhist temple serving Kailua and the windward side of O'ahu. The mission was renamed Windward Buddhist Temple on January 1, 2019, reflecting its broader role in the windward community. The original temple building was demolished and rebuilt, with the new structure dedicated on February 22, 2014.
The evening unfolds in stages: a Country Market opens at 5 p.m. with homemade manju (coconut and apple fillings), nantu, baked goods, takuan, bitter melon namasu, and chicken hekka; the food concession follows at 6 p.m. with fresh andagi (served hot while supplies last), BBQ stick and hot dog dinner plates, chili, saimin, Spam musubi, and shave ice; and bon dancing begins at 7 p.m. The temple notes it usually sells out of food.
Program highlights
- Kailua's only Buddhist temple, founded 1968 as Kailua Hongwanji Mission
- Country Market opens 5 p.m. with homemade manju, nantu, takuan, and chicken hekka
- Food concession opens 6 p.m.; temple notes it usually sells out of food
Plan your visit
Food & vendors: Fresh andagi, BBQ stick and hot dog dinner plate, chili, saimin, Spam musubi, and shave ice from food concession; country store with homemade manju (coconut and apple), nantu, takuan, bitter melon namasu, and chicken hekka
Parking & access: Parking at Kailua Elementary School across the street; street parking around temple grounds
Plan your weekend on Oahu
While you’re out for Windward Buddhist Temple 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; Verification source. Dates and times can change — confirm with the organizer before you go.