1727 Pali Hwy
Honolulu
HI 96813
Yukata or Happi Coats are the recommended attire. However, everyone is welcomed to participate as they are!
Bon Dance 2024!!
Friday and Saturday, June 28-29
6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. both nights
June means the start of Obon festival time! In Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, Obon is characterized as “kangi-e” or joyful gathering. It is a festive occasion to celebrate all that we have as a living beings.
Bon Dance gives us a chance to express our gratitude to our ancestors, teachers and friends, to show appreciation to them and to express how fortunate we are to be able to listen to the Buddha’s teachings. We celebrate the opportunity that we have to follow the teachings and to embrace them in our daily lives.
- Dancing
- Taiko drumming at 6 p.m. to kick off the event
- Fellowship
- Choba Booth: Support the temple, honor your ancestors, purchase Bon Dance towels
- Bontique shop in our Social Hall
- Crafts alongside the temple upstairs
- Professional photos (kimonos & assistance dressing provided!)
- Temple tours (from main, upper-level sanctuary or hondo — 7PM, 8PM, 9PM)
- Kids’ games
- A variety of food offerings, see list!
A Hongwanji Girl Scout is holding a book drive at Bon Dance to promote Bishop Museum’s Little Free Libraries. Donation stations open 5-9 p.m. each evening in the tunnel (pedestrian underpass) and in the Social Hall. The first 5 people to donate 5 or more books on 6/28 get a Bishop Museum Day Pass! See the flyer.
Prices range from $3 for edamame to $12 for the BBQ Beef Plate.
- BBQ Beef Plate (incl. rice, mac salad, takuan, cabbage)
- Waffle Dog
- Teri Burger
- Chili Bowl
- Saimin
- Fried Noodles (Sat.)
- Andagi (both nights this year)
- Shave Ice
- Edamame (Soy Beans)
- Snacks (prune mui, boiled peanuts)
- Soft Drinks and Water
- NEW: Smoke Meat 2 lb. bags (Troop 49 fundraiser – see flyer)
Parking
Overflow parking available at Hongwanji Mission School, Soto Mission, and Kawananakoa Middle School. See a full-size parking map.
How about the bus?
TheBus Route #6 stops right at the temple, Lusitana St. & Milo Lane! (See the route map.)
Our popular Bon Dance towels will be available for purchase!