Be sure to see our Bon Odori gallery for the latest Obon photos!
Shinran statue of Shinran Shonin overlooks dancers

Bon Dance at Hawaii Betsuin, June 26, 2015. Shinran Shonin overlooks the dancers circling the yagura.

Thanks to all who turned out for the first night of Bon Dance 2015 at Hawaii Betsuin! Join us again on Saturday evening, June 27, for another night of Obon.

Here’s the schedule:

  • 5:30 p.m. – Food booths open
  • 6:00 p.m. – Taiko performance
  • 6:15 p.m. – Short service
  • 6:30 p.m. – Dancing starts
  • 10:30 p.m. – End
a minister's assistant talks with visitors in the main temple hall

Festival-goers are welcome to visit the main temple hall during Obon. In this photo, Minister’s Lay Assistant Dexter Mar explains aspects of the temple and Obon.

The hondo, or main temple hall, will be open for visitors and a minister and minister’s assistant will be available to help interpret items in the altar area and answer questions you may have. Several temple tours will be offered. Stop by the information table outside the temple doors for specific times and to pick up information about the temple, Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, and upcoming events.

Below the main temple hall in the social hall there will be a “Bontique,” a sale of gently used Japanese-related items, as well as a station for getting your photo taken in yukata.

Food booths will have saimin, terriyaki burgers, roast corn, baked goods, shave ice and other items for sale. There will also be a wide array of Obon t-shirts for sale as a fundraiser for Hongwanji Mission School.

Hope to see you Saturday evening!