Buddha Day (Hanamatsuri / Flower Festival) is held to commemorate the birth of Siddhartha Gautama in Lumbini Garden. He became the historical Buddha, Sakyamuni, and was the manifestation of Amida, the Buddha of Infinite Wisdom and Compassion.

Temples hold Buddha Day services on or near this date. Services often featuring a hanamido, a miniature floral altar with a figure of the baby Buddha. Attendees use a dipping cup to bathe the figure in sweet tea (see image).

Each year, the seven denominations that make up the Hawaii Buddhist Council (HBC) hold a joint Buddha Day Service in Honolulu at one of the member temples. This year the HBC Buddha Day Service will be hosted at Soto Mission on Nuuanu Ave. (No services at Betsuin on this day.) Arriving is early is recommended as temples often fill up on joint service days.