Obon Dance & Festival
Throughout the Month of August:
Obon Dance & Festival. The Obon tradition was brought to Hawai`i by Japanese immigrants and evolved into a social and cultural event, as well as a religious custom designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merry-making. Free. Festivities and Dance schedules and locations are listed below (subject to change):
- Friday & Saturday, August 4 & 5: Koganji Temple, 2869 Oahu Ave., Manoa. Dancing 5 p.m., Children’s lantern parade 5:30 p.m. (Friday), Ryusi Taiko performance 8:30 p.m. both nights. For information call (808) 732-0446.
- Friday & Saturday, August 4 & 5: Waipahu Soto Zen Mission Taiyoji, 94-413 Waipahu St., Waipahu. Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 671-3103.
- Saturday, August 5: Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Byodo-in Temple, 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe. Dance and floating lantern ceremony (time TBA). For information call (808) 239-8811.
- Saturday, August 5: Waialua Hongwanji, 67-313 Kealohaunui St., Waialua. Service 6 p.m.; Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 637-4395.
- Friday & Saturday, August 11 & 12: Shingon Shu Hawai`i, 915 Sheradon St., Honolulu. Dance 6:30 p.m. Free parking at HMSA building after 5 p.m. For information call (808) 941-5663.
- Friday & Saturday, August 11 & 12: Pearl City Hongwanji Temple, 858 2nd St., Pearl City. Service 5:30 p.m. (Saturday, August 12th only), Country Store opens at 5:30 p.m. Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 455-1680.
- Friday & Saturday, August 11 & 12: Soto Mission of Aiea – Taiheiji, 99-045 Kauhale St, Aiea. Dance 7 p.m. Okinawan bon dancing from 9 to 9:45 p.m. (Saturday, August 12th only). For information call (808) 488-6794.
- Friday & Saturday, August 18 & 19: Jodo Mission of Hawai`i, 1429 Makiki St, Honolulu. 6:30 p.m.; food booths open 4:30 p.m. Jizo bon prayer service 5:45 p.m. (Friday, August 18th only). For information call (808) 949-3995.
- Friday & Saturday, August 18 & 19: Soto Mission of Hawai`i Betsuin Shoboji, 1708 Nuuanu Ave Honolulu. Dance 7 p.m.; Okinawan Dancing at 8:30 p.m. (Saturday, August 19th only). For information call (808) 537-9409.
- Friday & Saturday, August 18 & 19: Mililani Hongwanji, 95-257 Kaloapau St, Mililani. Food trucks at 6 p.m. both nights, Dance 7:00 p.m. Lantern parade at 6:45 p.m. (Friday, August 18th only). For information call (808) 625-0925.
- Saturday, August 26: Nichirin Mission of Hawai`i, 33 Pulelehua Way, Honolulu. Food booths open 5 p.m. Dance 6 p.m. Parking available at Nu`uanu Congregational Church with free shuttle service from 4 p.m. For information call (808) 595-3517.
- Saturday, August 26: Kapahulu Center, 3410 Campbell Ave., Honolulu. Food booths, keiki games and craft/bake sale from 4 p.m. Dance 6 p.m. For information call (808) 737-1748.
- Saturday, August 26: Aiea Hongwanji, 99-186 Puakala St, Aiea. Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 488-5685.