MākekeMaps

Seasonal event guide

Big Island Bon Dance Schedule 2026

Dates, times, towns, food notes, and a map for Hawaiʻi Island's 2026 bon dance season — temple by temple, from Hilo to Kohala and Kaʻū. Most are free, visitors are welcome, and event pages link through to the date-specific details.

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24 Big Island events24 mappedSeason: Jun 13 - Sep 19, 2026Updated June 2026

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Next Big Island bon dances

All Big Island events

Jun 27

Puna Hongwanji Bon Dance

Keaʻau · 6 PM – 10 PM

Jul 4

Kohala Hongwanji Bon Dance

Kapaʻau · From 6 PM

Jul 11

Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission Bon Dance

Kealakekua · From 3 PM

Quick jumps

Months:JuneJulyAugustSeptember

Map

Big Island bon dances on the map

24 of 24 listings have map pins.

Full schedule

All Big Island bon dances, by date

Each listing links to its event page and date page. We use “listed” language because temple schedules can shift during the season.

June

1
Jun 13·High confidence

Honomū Henjoji Bon Dance

Honomū Henjoji · Honomū · 4 PM – 8 PM

Dates

Saturday, June 13, 2026

Map

Pinned on the guide map.

Food: Saimin, Spam musubi, chili with rice, baked goods, and hot dogs from a mission concession stand

Parking/access: Parking available at Honomū Hongwanji Mission; from Highway 19, turn at the Akaka Falls turnoff

Event detailsSaturday
3
Jun 27·High confidence

Puna Hongwanji Bon Dance

Puna Hongwanji Mission · Keaʻau · 6 PM – 10 PM

Dates

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Map

Pinned on the guide map.

Food: Smoked meat bowls, chicken hekka, poke bowls, andagi, manapua, spam musubi, tonkatsu burgers, and anpan (based on 2024 temple concessions)

Event detailsSaturday

July

5
Jul 11·High confidence

Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission Bon Dance

Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission · Kealakekua · From 3 PM

Dates

Saturday, July 11, 2026

Map

Pinned on the guide map.

Food: Curry stew with rice, teri burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, shave ice, preserved fruits, and baked goods from the Kona Daifukuji Taiko snack booth; temple gift shop open with snacks and drinks

Parking/access: Parking on the temple lawn until full; additional parking up above the temple

Event detailsSaturday

August

19
Aug 15·High confidence

Hākalau Jodo Mission Bon Dance

Hākalau Jodo Mission · Hākalau · 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Dates

Saturday, August 15, 2026

Map

Pinned on the guide map.

Food: Thai Angels food truck, Poi Balls food truck, and mission concession stand

Parking/access: Limited street parking; temple is situated in a residential subdivision

Event detailsSaturday

September

First-timer notes

You do not need to know the steps. Join the outer circle, copy the person ahead of you, and step out whenever you need a break.

Food

Food booths are common but not guaranteed in every listing. If dinner is the plan, open the event page and check the source note.

What to bring

Cash, water, comfortable shoes, and patience for parking. Most dances are free and family-friendly.

Good to know

Are Big Island bon dances free?

Most bon dances are free to attend. Bring cash for food booths, games, crafts, and temple donations.

Can visitors join the dance circle?

Yes. Visitors are welcome at bon dances. Step in when a song starts, follow the people ahead of you, and keep moving with the circle.

Do bon dances have food?

Many do, but food details vary by temple and year. We list food notes when a source mentions them; otherwise, check the event page and confirm with the host if food is important.

How current is this schedule?

This guide was last updated June 2026. Dates and times can change, so confirm with the temple or organizer before making a long drive.