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Honomū Henjoji Mission (Odaishisan) bon dance festival, Honomū, Hawaiʻi Island

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.

28 Big Island events 28 on the map Season: Jun 13 – Sep 19, 2026 (ended) Updated June 2026

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Map

Big Island bon dances on the map

28 of 28 listings have map pins.

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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.

Months

28 events

Honomū

Honomū Henjoji Bon Dance

Saturday, June 13, 2026, 4 PM – 8 PM

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

High confidence

Event details

Keaʻau

Puna Hongwanji Bon Dance

Saturday, June 27, 2026, 6 PM – 10 PM

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

High confidence

Event details

Kealakekua

Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission Bon Dance

Saturday, July 11, 2026, From 3 PM

Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission · 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

High confidence

Event details
12 of 28 shown

Before you go

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.