Memorial Day services on May 30 are a reminder that the summer Obon season is just around the corner — time to pull out your favorite yukata or kimono or hapi coat. Obon is the time of the year when the spirits of deceased loved ones return to visit their families in the world of the living. The season is marked by colorful chöchin paper lanterns and lively music. Bon dance enthusiasts of all races and ethnicities throughout the islands of Hawai‘i look forward to the obon season — many plan to take in as many bon dances as they possibly can. To get everyone ready for Obon season, the Herald once again contacted Buddhist temples statewide to find out their obon service and dance schedule.
BIG ISLAND
June 11 (Sat.): Honomu Henjyoji Mission,
7 p.m.; Hatsubon and Obon service at 5 p.m. (28-1668 Old Mämalahoa Hwy., 963-6308)
June 18 (Sat.): Obon Festival at Keauhou Shopping Center (Kona Hongwanji), 6 p.m.; food booths available (78-6831 Ali‘i Dr., 323-2993)
June 18 (Sat.): Papaikou Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (27-378 Old Mämalahoa Hwy., 964-1640)
June 25 (Sat.): Honomu Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (28-1658 Government Main Rd., 963-6032)
July 1-2 (Fri./Sat.) Puna Hongwanji, 8 p.m., following 7 p.m. service (16-492 Old Volcano Rd., 966-9981)
July 2 (Sat.): Kohala Hongwanji, 7 p.m., graveside service at 5 p.m.; bon service at 6 p.m. service (53-4300 Akoni Pule Hwy., 775-7232)
July 8-9 (Fri./Sat.): Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, 7-10:30 p.m., following 6 p.m. Hatsubon service, food booths available; Obon service on Sunday, July 10: 9 a.m. English and 10:30 a.m. Japanese (398 Kïlauea Ave., 961-6677)
July 9 (Sat.): Kohala Jodo Mission, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (54-541 Kapa‘au Rd., 775-0965)
July 9 (Sat.): Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission,
7-10 p.m., following 6:30 p.m. service; Obon/Hatsubon service on Sunday, June 26, at 9:30 a.m. (322-3524)
July 9 (Sat.): Paauilo Hongwanji, 7:30 p.m., following 6 p.m. graveside service; bon service at 6:30 p.m. (43-1477 Hauola Rd., 776-1369)
July 11 (Mon.): Naalehu Hongwanji, obon service only at 5 p.m. (95-5695 Mämalahoa Hwy., 966-9981)
July 16 (Sat.): Hilo Meisho-in, 8 p.m., following 7 p.m. service. Obon service on Sunday, July 17, at 10 a.m. (97 Olonä St., 935-6996)
July 16 (Sat.): Honokaa Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 5:30 p.m. bon service; 3:30 p.m. graveside service at Kukuihaele Cemetery; 4 p.m. graveside service at Honokaa Cemetery (45-516 Lehua St., 775-7232)
July 16 (Sat.): Keei Buddhist Church (Kona Hongwanji), 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service; cemetery service at 5 p.m. (83-5569 Middle Keei Rd., 323-2993)
July 23 (Sat.): Hilo Hooganji Mission, 7:30 p.m., following 6 p.m. service Obon service on Sunday, July 24, at 9:30 a.m.; Toro Nagashi at Wailoa Harbor on Sunday, July 24, at 7 p.m. (457 Manono St., 935-8331)
July 23 (Sat.): Kona
Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following lantern parade at 6:30 p.m.; Hatsubon service on Sunday, July 24, at 9 a.m. (81-6630 Mämalahoa Hwy., 323-2993)
July 23 (Sat.): Papaaloa Hongwanji, 6 p.m., following 5 p.m. service (35-2026 Old Mämalahoa Hwy., 962-6340)
July 30 (Sat.): Hilo Taishoji Soto Mission, 7-10 p.m.; Taishoji Taiko will perform; Hatsubon service on Sunday, July 31, at 9 a.m.; Toro Nagashi on Sunday, July 31, at 5 p.m. at the Wailoa River. (275 Kino‘ole St., 935-8407)
Aug. 6 (Sat.): Hawi Jodo Mission, 6 p.m., following 5:30 p.m. service; Obon service on Sunday, Aug. 7, at 10 a.m. (55-1104 Akoni Pule Hwy., 775-0965)
Aug. 6 (Sat.): Kurtistown Jodo Mission, 8 p.m., following Hatsubon and Obon service at 7 p.m. (17-4025 Kuaina Rd., 935-6996)
Aug. 12 (Fri.): Life Care Center of Hilo (Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin), 6 p.m., refreshments available (944 W. Kawailani St., 959-9151)
Aug. 13 (Sat.): Hamakua Jodo Mission, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (44-2947 Kalöpä Rd., 775-0965)
Aug. 13 (Sat.): Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission, 7 p.m., service at 5 p.m. (Hölualoa, 324-1741)
Aug. 20 (Sat.): Kamuela Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service; 4:30 p.m. graveside service at Kamuela Japanese Cemetery (65-1110 Mämalahoa Hwy., 885-4481)
Aug. 20 (Sat.): Hakalau Jodo Mission, 7 p.m., following Hatsubon and Obon service at 6 p.m. (29-2271 Old Mämalahoa Hwy., 935-6996)
Aug. 21 (Sun.): Pahala Hongwanji Mission, 5-9 p.m.; Obon service at 4 p.m. (96-1123 Pä‘au‘au Pl., 928-8254)
Aug. 27 (Sat.): Honohina Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (32-896 Mämalahoa Hwy., 963-6032)
** Despite our best efforts, we could not confirm bon dance dates for the following temple:
Paauilo Kongoji Mission, 43 Hauola Rd., 776-1474
MAUI/LÄNA‘I/MOLOKA‘I
June 4 (Sat.): Lahaina Shingon Mission, 7:30 p.m., following 6:30 p.m. service (682 Luakini St., 661-0466)
June 11 (Sat.): Puunene Nichiren Mission,
8 p.m., following 7 p.m. service; food booths available. (9 Ani St., 871-4831)
June 17 (Fri.): Wailuku Jodo Mission, 8 p.m. following 7 p.m. service; food booths available. (67 Central Ave., 244-0066)
June 18 (Sat.): Wailuku Shingon Mission
Komyoji, 7:30 p.m., following 6:30 p.m. service (1939 North St., 244-3800)
July 2 (Sat.): Lahaina Jodo Mission, bon dance follows 6:30 p.m. service and Toro Nagashi; Obon service on Friday, July 1, at 6:30 p.m.; food booths available. (12 Ala Moana St., 661-4304)
July 8-9 (Fri./Sat.): Mantokuji Soto Mission of Paia, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; Obon service at 6 p.m.; taiko performances on Friday at 5 p.m. by Maui Taiko and on Saturday at 7 p.m. by Zenshin Daiko; food booths available. (253 Häna Hwy., 579-8051)
July 9 (Sat.): Lanai Hongwanji, 6 p.m.; Obon service on Friday, July 8, at 7 p.m. (1364 Fraser Ave., 565-6817)
July 15-16 (Fri./Sat.): Kahului Hongwanji,
7:30 p.m., following 6 p.m. service; food booths and activities for keiki are available. Obon and family gratitude service on Sunday, July 24, at 9 a.m. (291 S. Pu‘unënë Ave., 871-4732)
July 22-23 (Fri./Sat.): Makawao Hongwanji, 7:30 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (1074 Makawao Ave., 572-7229)
July 29-30 (Fri./Sat.): Wailuku Hongwanji,
8 p.m., following 6:45 p.m. service; food booths available; activities for keiki. (1828 E. Vineyard St., 244-0406)
July 30 (Sat.): Guzeiji Soto Mission of Molokai, 6-9 p.m.; taiko performance by Hawaii Matsuri Taiko at 5:30 and 8 p.m. (553-5197)
Aug. 5-6 (Fri./Sat.): Lahaina Hongwanji, 7:30 p.m., following 6 p.m. service; food booths available. (551 Waine‘e St., 661-0640)
Aug. 19-20 (Fri./Sat.): Kahului Jodo Mission, 7:30 p.m., following 6 p.m. service; food booths available. (325 Lä‘au St., 871-4911)
Aug. 20 (Sat.): Paia Rinzai Zen Mission, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (120 Alawai Rd., 268-2209)
Aug. 27 (Sat.): Kula Shofukuji Shingon Mission, 7:30 pm., following 6:30 p.m. service (Puanani Pl., 661-0466)
KAUA‘I
June 3-4 (Fri./Sat.): Lihue Hongwanji, 7:30 p.m., following 6:30 p.m. columbarium service; Hatsubon and Bon service on Sunday, May 29, at 9 a.m. (3-3530 Kuhio Hwy., 245-6262)
June 10-11 (Fri./Sat.): Waimea Shingon Mission, 7:30 p.m., following 6:30 p.m. service (3770-A Pule Rd., 338-1854)
June 17-18 (Fri./Sat.): Kapaa Jodo Mission 7:30 pm., (4524 Haua‘ala Rd., 822-4319)
June 24-25 (Fri./Sat.): West Kauai Hongwanji Waimea Temple, 7:30 p.m.; Hatsubon and Bon service on June 24 at 6 p.m. in temple; 7 p.m. columbarium service (4675 Menehune Rd., 335-3195)
July 8-9 (Fri./Sat.): Kapaa Hongwanji, 7:30 p.m. Hatsubon service on Friday, July 8, at 6 p.m. (4-1170 Kühiö Hwy., 822-4667)
July 22-23 (Fri./Sat.): Kauai Soto Zen Temple – Zenshuji, 7:30-10:30 p.m; taiko performance by Taiko Kauai, 7 p.m. both nights; Niigata Ondo by Wahiawa Ryusenji Yagura Gumi, 8:30 p.m. both nights. (1-350 Kaumuali‘i Hwy., 335-3521)
July 29-30 (Fri./Sat.): Koloa Jodo Mission, 7:30 p.m.; Hatsubon service on Sunday, July 24, at 10:30 a.m. (3480 Waikomo Rd., 742-6735 or 635-8530)
Aug. 5-6 (Fri./Sat.): West Kauai Hongwanji
Hanapepe Temple, 7:30 p.m.; Hatsubon and Bon service on Aug. 5 at 6 p.m. in temple; 7 p.m. columbarium service (1-3860 Kamauli‘i Hwy., 335-3195)
** Despite our best efforts, we could not confirm bon dance dates for the following temple:
Waimea Higashi Hongwanji, 9554 Kaumuali‘i Hwy., 338-1847
O‘AHU
June 4 (Sat.): Hawaii’s Plantation Village, 5:45 p.m., following 5:30 p.m. blessing; food booths/food trucks, shave ice truck, craft vendors and baked goods booths available from 4:30 p.m. (94-695 Waipahu St., 677-0110)
June 18 (Sat.): Ewa Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service; food booths available (91-1133 Renton Rd., 681-5222)
June 24-25 (Fri./Sat.): Wahiawa Hongwanji, following 6:30 p.m. service; Obon service on Thursday, Aug. 18, at 6 p.m. (1067 California Ave., 622-4320)
June 24-25 (Fri./Sat.): Honpa Hongwanji
Hawaii Betsuin, 6-10:30 p.m. Also featured are a Bon Boutique (“things Oriental”), Bon Dance portrait taking, food booths and snacks. Performances by Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai, Honolulu Fukushima Bon Dance Club and Hawaii Eisa Shinyu Kai. Practice sessions Monday-Wednesday, June 20-22, at 7:30 p.m.; combined Bon Mairi services on Saturday, July 16 and 23, at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.; combined Hatsubon services on Sunday, July 17 and 24, at 5 p.m. (1727 Pali Hwy., 536-7044)
July 1-2 (Fri./Sat.): Koganji Temple, 5-10 p.m., begins with Children’s Lantern Parade at 5:30 p.m. (Friday only), followed by Mukaibi service; Ryusei Taiko performs both nights at 8:30 p.m.; Country Store and food booths open at 5 p.m. (2869 O‘ahu Ave., 988-4905)
July 1-2 (Fri./Sat.): Moiliili Hongwanji, 6-10:30 p.m. at the Varsity Theatre parking lot, both nights. July 1 bon dance by Moiliili Hongwanji. July 2 bon dance is part of the Moiliili Summer Fest. Vendors and concession booths will be available. Bon Mairi combined service on Friday, July 8, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 9, at 10 a.m.; combined Hatsubon service on Saturday, July 9 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, July 10: Obon service at 9 a.m., Mokotsudo (columbarium service) at 11 a.m. and Ohaka Mairi at Moiliili Cemetery at 4 p.m. (1100 University Ave., 949-1659)
July 2 (Sat.): Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji,
6:30 p.m., following 6 p.m. service; concession booths open at 5:30 p.m. (45-520 Kea‘ahala Rd., 247-2661)
July 8-9 (Fri./Sat.): Haleiwa Jodo Mission,
8 p.m., 6:30 p.m. service, Toro Nagashi at 10 p.m. (Saturday only). (66279-A Hale‘iwa Rd., 637-4382)
July 8-9 (Fri./Sat.): Honolulu Koboji Mission, 7-10:30 p.m.; food booths open at 5 p.m., parking available at Damien School. Hatsubon service on Sat., July 19, at 4 p.m.; Obon service on Sun., July 10, at 9 a.m. (1223-B N. School St., 841-7033)
July 9 (Sat.): Waipahu Hongwanji, 6 p.m.;
Hatsubon service on Sun., July 17, at 8:30 a.m. (94-821 Kuhaulua St., 677-4221)
July 10 (Sun.) Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Jisso Center, 12:30-2:30 p.m.; combined English and Japanese Bon memorial service from 9:30-11:15; potluck lunch to follow. (47-451 Hui Aeko Pl. in Käne‘ohe, next to Valley of the Temples Memorial Park, 239-8833)
July 15-16 (Fri./Sat.): Jikoen Hongwanji, 6 p.m.; Hatsubon service on Saturday, July 9, at 9 a.m. (1731 N. School St., 845-3422)
July 15-16 (Fri./Sat.) Shinshu Kyokai Mission, 7-10:30 p.m.; service at 6:50 p.m.; concession booths available; practice on Tuesday, July 12, from 7:30-9 p.m.; O-bon service on Sunday, June 26, at 9 a.m. (1631 S. Beretania St., 973-0150 or
skm@shinshukyokai.org)
July 15-16 (Fri./Sat.): Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; taiko performance by Ryugen Taiko, 7 and 8:30 p.m. both nights; Okinawan bon dance by Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai (Saturday at 9 p.m.); Bon service on Thurs., June 9, at 7 p.m.; Sat., June 11, at 10 a.m.; Sun., June 12, at 10 a.m. and Tues., June 14, at 7 p.m. (164 California Ave., 622-1429)
July 16 (Sat.): Waianae Hongwanji, 6:30 p.m. (85-762 Old Government Rd., 677-4221)
July 22-23 (Fri./Sat.): Haleiwa Shingon Mission, 7:30-10:30 p.m.; Obon Great Stupa Service from 6-8:30 p.m.; concession booths available; practice on Tuesday, July 12, from 7-9 p.m. (66-469 Pa‘ala‘a Rd., 637-4423)
July 22-23 (Fri./Sat.): Higashi Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, 7 p.m., following 6:30 p.m. service; Bon and Hatsubon service on Sunday, July 10, at 10 a.m. (1865 ‘Alaneo St., 531-9088)
July 16 (Sat.): Kailua Hongwanji, 7 p.m.; food booths available; Obon and Hatsubon service on Sunday, July 10, at 9 a.m. (268-A Ku‘ulei Rd., 262-4560)
July 29-30 (Fri./Sat.): Palolo Hongwanji, 6:30-9:30 p.m., following 6 p.m. service; Hatsubon service on Sunday, July 17, at 10 a.m. (1641 Pälolo Ave., 732-1491)
Aug. 5-6 (Fri./Sat.): Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji, 7-10 p.m.; Fri. only, 8:30 p.m.: taiko performance by Hawai Matsuri Taiko; Sat. only, 8:30 p.m.: Okinawan bon dance by Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai; Hatsubon and Obon services on Thursday, July 21, at 7 p.m. and Saturday/Sunday, July 23-24, at 9 a.m. (94-413 Waipahu St., 671-3103)
Aug. 6 (Sat.): Waialua Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (67-313 Kealohanui St., 637-4395)
Aug. 12-13 (Fri./Sat.): Pearl City Hongwanji,
7 p.m., following 5:45 p.m. service; food booths open at 5:30 p.m. Additional parking available at Lehua Elementary School. Obon service on Saturday, Aug. 13, at 5:30 p.m. (858 2nd St., 455-1680)
Aug. 12-13 (Fri./Sat.): Shingon Shu Hawaii,
5-10 p.m., following short service; practice on Tuesday, Aug. 9, at 7:30 p.m.; Obon Hoyo on Sunday, July 31, at 9 a.m. Free bon dance parking at HMSA building with validation. (915 Sheridan St., 941-5663)
Aug. 12-13 (Fri./Sat.): Soto Mission of Aiea – Taiheiji, 7-10:30 p.m.; 6:30 p.m. taiko performance by Somei Taiko; Sat. at 9 pm.: Okinawan bon dance by Hawaii Eisa Shinyu Kai; Obon services will be held on Thursday, June 16, at 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, June 18-19, at 10 a.m. and Monday, June 20, at 7 p.m. (99-045 Kauhale St., 488-6794)
Aug. 19-20 (Fri./Sat.): Jodo Mission of Hawaii, 6 p.m.; Obon services on Friday and Saturday, July 15 and 16, at 10 a.m. (includes Hatsubon families), 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, July 17, at 10 a.m. (1429 Makiki St., 949-3995)
Aug. 19-20 (Fri./Sat.): Mililani Hongwanji,
7 p.m.; food concession/craft and other vendors available. Obon service on Sunday, Aug. 14, at 4 p.m. (95-257 Käloapau St., 625-0925)
Aug. 19-20 (Fri./Sat.): Soto Mission of Hawaii – Shoboji, 7-10 p.m.; Fri. only: 8:30 p.m. taiko performance by Hawaii Matsuri Taiko; Sat. only: 8:30 p.m. Okinawan bon dance by Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai; food booths available. Obon service from July 1-10. Weekdays at 6 p.m.; (July 1 and 8 also at 7:30 p.m.); Weekends at 9:30 and 11 a.m. (1708 Nu‘uanu Ave., 537-9409)
Aug. 27 (Sat.): Aiea Hongwanji, 7 p.m., following 6 p.m. service (99-186 Puakala St., 488-5685)
Aug. 27 (Sat.): Kapahulu Center, 6 p.m.; food booths, kiddie games, craft/bake sale starts at 4 p.m. (3410 Campbell Ave., 737-1748)
Aug. 27 (Sat.): Nichiren Mission of Hawaii, 6 p.m.; Hatsubon service on Saturday, July 9, at
7 p.m.; Obon service on Sunday, July 10, at 10 a.m. (33 Pulelehua Way, 595-3517)
Sept. 3 (Sat.): Okinawan Festival, 5:30-9 p.m. at Kapi‘olani Park, 2805 Monsarrat Ave. (676-5400)
Sept. 10 (Sat.): Odori Festival at Honbushin International Center, 6-9:30 p.m.; bazaar and stage performances from 4-6 p.m. (95-030 Waihonu St., 623-7693)
Sept. 17 (Sat.): Autumn Okinawan Dance
Matsuri at Hawaii Okinawa Center,
5:30-10 p.m.; food booths available (94-587 Uke‘e St., 676-5400)
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