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 3 & 4: Koganji Temple, 2869 Oahu Ave., Manoa. Dancing 5 p.m., Children’s lantern parade 5:30 p.m. (Friday). For information call (808) 732-0446.
- Friday & Saturday, August 3 & 4: Waipahu Soto Zen Mission Taiyoji, 94-413 Waipahu St., Waipahu. Dance 7 p.m. Taiko performance Friday at 8 p.m., Okinawan Bon Dance Saturday at 8 p.m. For information call (808) 671-3103.
- Saturday, August 4: Valley of the Temples Memorial Park. Byodo-in Temple, 47-200 Kahekili Hwy, Kaneohe. Dance 4 to 9 p.m., and floating lantern ceremony 8 to 9 p.m. For information call (808) 239-8811.
- Saturday, August 4: Waialua Hongwanji, 67-313 Kealohaunui St., Waialua. Service 6 p.m.; Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 637-4395.
- Friday & Saturday, August 10 & 11: Shingon Shu Hawai`i, 915 Sheradon St., Honolulu. Dance 6:30 p.m. Free parking at HMSA building after 5 p.m., with validation at the temple. For information call (808) 941-5663.
- Friday & Saturday, August 10 & 11: Pearl City Hongwanji Temple, 858 2nd St., Pearl City. Service 5:30 p.m. (Saturday, August 11th only), Country Store opens at 5:30 p.m. Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 455-1680.
- Friday & Saturday, August 10 & 11: Soto Mission of Aiea – Taiheiji, 99-045 Kauhale St, Aiea. Dance 7 p.m. Okinawan bon dancing 9 p.m. (Saturday, August 11th only). For information call (808) 488-6794.
- Friday & Saturday, August 17 & 18: Jodo Mission of Hawai`i, 1429 Makiki St, Honolulu. Dance 6:30 p.m. For information call (808) 949-3995.
- Friday & Saturday, August 17 & 18: Soto Mission of Hawai`i Betsuin Shoboji, 1708 Nuuanu Ave Honolulu. Dance 7 p.m.; Taiko Friday at 8:30 p.m., Okinawan Dancing Saturday at 8:30 p.m. For information call (808) 537-9409.
- Friday & Saturday, August 17 & 18: Mililani Hongwanji, 95-257 Kaloapau St, Mililani. Dance 7:00 p.m. Children’s Lantern Parade Friday at 6:45 p.m., Food trucks Saturday. For information call (808) 625-0925.
- Saturday, August 25: Nichirin Mission of Hawai`i, 33 Pulelehua Way, Honolulu. Food booths open 5 p.m. Dance 6 p.m. Parking available at Toho No Hikari Hawai`i Church with free shuttle service 4 to 10 p.m. For information call (808) 595-3517.
- Saturday, August 25: 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 25: Aiea Hongwanji, 99-186 Puakala St, Aiea. Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 487-2626.