Bon dances are back on O‘ahu and undoubtedly some of the most beloved cultural events of the year. In case you aren’t familiar with this Japanese Buddhist tradition, bon dances happen during Obon season, when adults and keiki alike gather to commemorate ancestors. It’s a celebration of life, and the dancing is a way to welcome spirits.
This year, Hawai‘i’s Plantation Village opens the 2023 bon season with dancing under the stars, local food offerings, a pop-up craft tent and more. Honolulu’s largest bon dance takes place at Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest on July 1, but there are more than a dozen other festivals to enjoy throughout the summer too. Expect lanterns lighting up the night, the sound of taiko drums, participants clad in kimono and a variety of food vendors at all of them.
So whether you’re a regular, new to bon dancing or maybe just going for the andagi and people-watching, check out the lineup of bon dances and Obon festivals happening across O‘ahu this summer.
O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2023
June 3, 4–10 p.m.
Hawai‘i’s Plantation Village, 94-695 Waipahu St., 808-677-0110
hawaiiplantationvillage.org, @hawaiisplantationvillage
June 23 & 24, 6–10:30 p.m.
Hawai‘i Betsuin, 1727 Pali Highway, 808-536-7044
hawaiibetsuin.org, @hawaiibetsuin
June 23 & 24, 6–10 p.m.
Wahiawā Hongwanji, 1067 California Ave., Wahiawā, 808-622-4320
wahiawashinbuddists.org, @wahiawahongwangji
July 1, 5 p.m.
10th Annual Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest, 1100 University Ave.
moiliilisummerfesthi.com, @moiliilifest
July 7 & 8, 6 p.m.
Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawai‘i, 2280 Auhuhu St., Pearl City, 808-455-3212
rkhawaii.org, @rkkhawaii
July 7 & 8, 6:30 p.m.
Koboji Shingon Mission, 1223-B North School St., Honolulu, 808-841-7033
koboji.org, @kobojishingonmission
July 7 & 8, 7–10 p.m.
Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i, 1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu, 808-531-9088
betsuin.hhbt-hi.org, @higashihongwanjihawaii
July 8, 6–10 p.m.
Windward Buddhist Temple, 268A Ku‘ulei Road, Kailua
windwardbuddhisttemple.org, @windwardbuddhisttemple
July 8, 7 p.m.
Waipahu Hongwanji, 94-821 Kuhaulua St., Waipahu, 808-671-3103
waipahuhongwanji.org, @waipahutemplesangha
July 14 & 15, 7–10 p.m.
Wahiawā Ryusenji-Soto Mission, 164 California Ave., Wahiawā, 808-622-1429
July 14 & 15, 7–10 p.m.
Shinshu Kyokai Mission, 7-10 p.m., 1631 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, 808-973-0150
shinshukyokai.org
July 21 & 22, 7 p.m.
Hale‘iwa Jodo Mission, 66-279 Hale‘iwa Road A, Hale‘iwa, 808-637-4382
hawaiijodo.net
July 22, 7 p.m.
‘Aiea Hongwanji, 99-186 Puakala St., ‘Aiea, 808-487-2626
aieahongwanji.org
July 22, 5 p.m.
Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 1731 N. School St., Honolulu, 808-845-3422
jikoenhongwanji.org
Aug. 4 & 5, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji, 94-413 Waipahu St., Waipahu, 808-671-3103
sotozen.com
Aug. 11 & 12, 7–10 p.m.
Soto Mission of ‘Aiea–Taiheiji, 99-045 Kauhale St., ‘Aiea, 808-488-6794
sotomission.com, @aieataiheiji
Aug. 12, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Pearl City Hongwanji,858 2nd St., 808-455-1680
pearlcityhongwanji.com
Aug. 18 & 19, 7 p.m.
Mililani Hongwanji, 95-257 Kaloapau St., 808-625-0925
Aug. 19, 5 p.m
Jodo Mission of Hawai‘i, 1429 Makiki St., 808-949-3995
jodo.us
Sept. 2 & 3
Okinawan Festival, Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., 808-676-5400
huoa.org, @hawaiiunitedokinawaassociation
Sept. 23, 6–10 p.m
Kapahulu Senior Center Matsuri, 3410 Campbell Ave., 808-949-3995
kapahulucenter.org
Times and dates are subject to change.
SEE ALSO: Our Guide: Obon Dances for Beginner
Curtesy Honolulu Magazine
