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🎎 Waipahu
• Hawai‘i’s Plantation Village
Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
Time: 4 – 10 p.m.
Location: 94‑695 Waipahu St.
Highlights: This kick-off event of the O‘ahu bon dance season features taiko, traditional dance around the yagura tower, plus local food, craft vendors, and lively community ambiance .
• Waipahu Soto Zen Temple (Taiyoji)
Date: Friday & Saturday, August 1 & 2, 2025
Time: Food at 5:30 p.m., dance 7–10 p.m.
Location: 94‑413 Waipahu St.
Features: Offers classic Obon fare like andagi, Okinawan soba, BBQ, plus a country store, crafts, convenient off-site parking with shuttle service .
🌸 Pearl City
• Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawai‘i
Date: Friday & Saturday, July 11 & 12, 2025
Time: ~6 –9 p.m.
Location: 2280 Auhuhu St.
Notes: Two-day festival including enka singing, cultural performances, food booths with oden, BBQ bentos, lumpia, mochi, shave ice, and more .
• Pearl City Hongwanji Mission
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: Country store & crafts start at 4:30 p.m.; food at 5 p.m.; dance 7–10 p.m.
Highlights: A festive evening with games, desserts, Asian treasures, and a full food menu—burgers, musubi, noodles, lumpia, shave ice—andagi, kettle corn, chili, etc. .
🌿 Aiea
• Aiea Hongwanji Mission
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. start
What to Expect: Taiko drum performance by Hyaku Sen Ki Kai alumni at 6:30 p.m.; followed by bon dancing, children’s crafts (DIY uchiwa fans), games, plus savory eats—chicken bentos, hot dogs, noodles, andagi, shave ice, and drinks .
🌺 Mililani
• Mililani Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
Date: Friday & Saturday, August 15 & 16, 2025
Time: Food and vendor booths open 5:30 p.m.; bon dance starts at 7 p.m.
Special: Lantern parade at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening. Food trucks and vendors will serve shave ice, ice cream, local Hawaiian plates, BBQ skewers, tacos, and Hongwanji classics—andagi galore .
Why Attend Bon Dance Events?
Cultural connection: Bon Odori honors ancestors through joyous, communal circle dances around a central yagura, accompanied by live or recorded taiko drumming
Community: These events unite families, keiki, kupuna, and visitors, blending Buddhist rituals with festive food, crafts, and performances.
Taste of Hawaii: Savor local favorites—spam musubi, Okinawan soba, andagi—plus newer fusion food truck options.
🗓️ Summary Table
Location |
Dates |
Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Waipahu |
June 7; Aug 1–2 |
Plantations opening & temple-style dances + food |
Pearl City |
July 11–12; Aug 9 |
Multi-day singing festival & family atmosphere |
Aiea |
Aug 24 |
Taiko, crafts, food & community bon dance |
Mililani |
Aug 15–16 |
Lantern parade, vendors, food trucks & dance |
Tips for Attendees
Bring cash, as most vendors are cash-only (especially at smaller temple events)
Arrive early (5–5:30 p.m.) to enjoy food booths, secure parking (often on-site or via shuttle), and settle before dancing begins.
Dress traditional: Yukata and lighter attire work well. Some venues offer pre-dance workshops to learn the steps.
Family-friendly: Many sites include lantern-making, uchiwa decorating, and crafts for keiki.
These Bon Dance celebrations are wonderful ways to experience Hawaiian Obon culture—an uplifting blend of tradition, music, dance, and local cuisine. Let me know if you’d like help choosing one or finding more details!
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