Bon Dances, a vibrant and cherished tradition, are set to illuminate O‘ahu once again this year. Prepare to don your yukata and join the joyous circles around the yagura, as the rhythmic beats of taiko drums fill the warm summer air. As one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved cultural events, bon dances are a highlight of the Obon season, typically celebrated throughout the summer months. Rooted in Japanese Buddhist tradition, these dances are a spirited celebration of life and a meaningful way to honor ancestors.
This year, the bon dance season in Hawai‘i commences at the historic Hawai‘i’s Plantation Village on June 1st, promising an evening of dancing under the starlit sky, accompanied by local culinary delights and a unique pop-up craft fair. For those seeking a grand experience, Honolulu’s largest and arguably most popular bon dance is a centerpiece of the Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest, taking place on July 6th. Should you miss these initial events, worry not! O‘ahu offers a rich calendar of over a dozen bon dances and Obon festivals throughout the summer season. Below is your guide to the bon dance and Obon festival schedule across O‘ahu this summer. Please be aware that dates and times are subject to adjustments, so it’s always wise to check event websites or social media for the latest updates.
Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest bon dance
What is Bon Dance? A Celebration of Life and Ancestors
Bon Dance, or Bon Odori in Japanese, is more than just a dance; it’s a cultural cornerstone with deep roots in Japanese Buddhist tradition. It is a communal expression of remembrance and gratitude towards one’s ancestors during the Obon season. Obon is a time when, according to tradition, the spirits of ancestors return to visit the living. Bon dances are performed as a joyful welcome and send-off for these ancestral spirits, embodying a celebration of life and the interconnectedness of generations.
The heart of a Bon Dance often features a yagura, a raised wooden tower, which serves as a stage for musicians and dancers who lead the community in song and movement. The rhythmic pulse of taiko drums and traditional folk music are integral to the experience, creating an infectious energy that draws everyone into the dance. Participants often wear yukata, light cotton kimonos, adding to the festive and traditional ambiance. The dances themselves are typically simple and repetitive, designed for mass participation, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or skill, can join in the communal spirit.
While rooted in Buddhist customs, Bon Dance in Hawai‘i has evolved into a vibrant multicultural event, embraced by people of all backgrounds. It’s a testament to the islands’ diverse community and the enduring appeal of shared cultural experiences. Attending a Bon Dance in Oahu provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a living tradition that blends Japanese heritage with the aloha spirit of Hawai‘i.
O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2024
Here is the schedule of Bon Dances across O‘ahu for the summer of 2024. Be sure to confirm details with the organizers before attending, as schedules can change.
June 1, 4 to 10 p.m. Hawai‘i’s Plantation Village, 94-695 Waipahu St., 808-677-0110 hawaiiplantationvillage.org, @hawaiisplantationvillage
June 7, 7 to 10 p.m. Pan-Pacific Festival, Kalākaua Ave. panpacificfestival.org, @panpacificfestival
June 15, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. ‘Ewa Hongwanji Mission, 91-1133 Renton Road, ‘Ewa Beach, 808-681-5222 sites.google.com/view/ewa-buddhist-temple/home, @EwaHongwanji
June 21 & 22, 6 to 10 p.m. Wahiawā Hongwanji Mission, 1067 California Ave., Wahiawā, 808-622-4320 wahiawashinbuddists.org, @wahiawahongwangji
June 28 & 29, 6 to 10:30 p.m. Honpa Hongwanji Hawai‘i Betsuin, 1727 Pali Highway, 808-536-7044 hawaiibetsuin.org, @hawaiibetsuin
Moiliili Summer Fest Bon Dance Pc Andrea Lee
July 6, 5 p.m. 11th Annual Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest, 1100 University Ave. moiliilisummerfesthi.com, @moiliilifest
July 12 & 13, 6 p.m. Hale‘iwa Shingon Mission, 66-469 Pa‘ala‘a Rd., 808-637-4423
July 12 & 13, 6 to 9 p.m. Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawai‘i, 2280 Auhuhu St., Pearl City, 808-455-3212 rkhawaii.org, @rkkhawaii
July 12 & 13, 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. Koboji Shingon Mission, 1223-B North School St., Honolulu, 808-841-7033 koboji.org, @kobojishingonmission
July 12 & 13, 7 to 10 p.m. Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i, 1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu, 808-531-9088 betsuin.hhbt-hi.org, @higashihongwanjihawaii
July 13, 6 to 10 p.m. Windward Buddhist Temple, 268A Ku‘ulei Road, Kailua windwardbuddhisttemple.org, @windwardbuddhisttemple
July 13, 7 p.m. Waipahu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 94-821 Kuhaulua St., Waipahu, 808-677-4221 waipahuhongwanji.org, @waipahutemplesangha
July 19 & 20, 7 to 10 p.m. Wahiawā Ryusenji-Soto Mission, 164 California Ave., Wahiawā, 808-622-1429
July 19 & 20, 7 to 10 p.m. Shinshu Kyokai Mission, 1631 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, 808-973-0150 shinshukyokai.org, @SKM.Hawaii
July 20, 5 p.m. Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 1731 N. School St., Honolulu, 808-845-3422 jikoenhongwanji.org
July 20, 7 to 10 p.m. Wai‘anae Hongwanji Mission, 85-762 Old Government Road, Wai‘anae, 808-677-4221
July 26 & 27, 7 p.m. Hale‘iwa Jodo Mission, 66-279 Hale‘iwa Road A, Hale‘iwa, 808-637-4382 hawaiijodo.net
July 26 & 27, 5 to 10 p.m. Palolo Hongwanji, 1641 Palolo Ave., Honolulu, 808-732-1491
Aug. 2 & 3, 7 to 10 p.m. Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji, 94-413 Waipahu St., Waipahu, 808-671-3103 sotozen.com
Aug. 9 & 10, 6 to 10 p.m. Shingon Mission of Hawai‘i, 915 Sheridan St., 808-941-5663 shingonshuhawaii.com
Aug. 10, 7 to 10 p.m. Pearl City Hongwanji Mission, 858 2nd St., 808-455-1680 pearlcityhongwanji.com
Aug. 16 & 17, 7 p.m. Mililani Hongwanji, 95-257 Kaloapau St., 808-625-0925
Aug. 16 & 17, 7 to 10 p.m. Soto Mission of Hawai‘i, 1708 Nuuanu Ave., 808-537-9409 sotomission.org, @sotomission
Aug. 17, 5 p.m Jodo Mission of Hawai‘i, 1429 Makiki St., 808-949-3995 jodo.us
Aug. 24, 7 p.m. ‘Aiea Hongwanji, 99-186 Puakala St., ‘Aiea, 808-487-2626 aieahongwanji.org
Okinawan Festival Bon Dance Pc Andrea Lee
Aug. 31, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Okinawan Festival, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., 808-676-5400 okinawanfestival.com, @okinawanfestival
Sept. 7, 4 to 9 p.m Megabon, Aloha Stadium’s Lower Halawa Lot, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd. megabonhawaii.com, @megabonhawaii
Sept. 21, 5 to 9:30 p.m. Autumn Okinawan Dance Matsuri (at Hawai‘i Okinawa Center), 94-587 Uke‘e St., Waipahu, 808-676-5400 huoa.org
Oct. 5, 3:45 to 8:45 p.m. Windward Mall Bon Dance, Center Court at Windward Mall, 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy, Kāne‘ohe, (808) 235-1143 windwardmall.com, @windwardmall
Times and dates are subject to change.
Join the Celebration
The bon dance season in Oahu is a special time of year, offering a chance to connect with community, celebrate culture, and honor traditions. Whether you are a seasoned bon dance enthusiast or a newcomer eager to experience this joyful event for the first time, the numerous festivals across Oahu promise memorable summer evenings filled with dance, music, and cultural enrichment. Don’t miss the opportunity to partake in this unique and heartwarming Hawaiian tradition.
