Around mid-April, The Hawaiʻi Herald starts calling Japanese Buddhist temples and community organizations across the state. And this issue would normally include a four-page pull-out section filled with information including Hatsubon and obon services, Töro nagashi (lantern floating) and bon dance festivals.
Regrettably, this is the first summer in decades that the schedule seems up in the air, with many temples and venues canceling their annual traditions due to COVID-19.
While all bon dance festivals on Kauaʻi have been cancelled, a majority of the remaining temples are choosing to leave that decision up in the air for now, awaiting the possible re-opening of at least some parts of the state of Hawaiʻi. Priests and organizers are all keeping updated on the latest policy changes from various city mayors, Governor Ige, and their island’s respective political leaders as well as the rapidly evolving national situation of how we are handling the coronavirus from governmental, business, labor, scientific and community perspectives.
In such a moment-by-moment time of change, we will do our utmost to provide the details of obon events as our issues are published throughout the coming months.
The following temples CANCELLED bon dance festivals that were planned for JULY. However, they are still making an effort to find ways to conduct services and welcome the public to call their offices for the latest information about temple services.
BIG ISLAND
Puna Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (966-9981)
Kohala Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (775-7232)
Kohala Jodo Mission: Bon dance and public obon services are cancelled. (775-0965)
Paauilo Hongwanji: Bon dance and obon services are cancelled. (776-1369)
Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission: Bon dance and public obon services are cancelled. (322-3524)
Hilo Meisho-in: Bon dance and public obon services are cancelled. (935-6996)
Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin: Bon dance and public obon services are cancelled. (961-6677)
Keei Buddhist Church (Kona Hongwanji), Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (323-2993)
Hilo Dajingu, Bon dance and public obon services are cancelled. (959-8611)
Hilo Hooganji Mission: For the latest information on bon dance, obon services or Töro Nagashi please call the temple. (935-8331)
Kona Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (323-2993)
Papaaloa Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (962-6340)
KAUA‘I
Kapaa Jodo Mission: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (822-4319)
Waimea Higashi Hongwanji: Bon dance and obon services are cancelled. (335-3195)
Kapaa Hongwanji: Bon dance and obon services are cancelled. (822-4667)
MAUI/LÄNA‘I/MOLOKA‘I
Lahaina Jodo Mission: Bon dance and public obon services are cancelled. (661-4304)
Mantokuji Soto Mission of Paia: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (579-8051)
Lanai Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (565-6817)
Kahului Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (871-4732)
Guzeiji Soto Mission of Molokai: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (553-5197)
Kahului Jodo Mission: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (871-4911)
Makawao Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Hatsubon service is Friday and Saturday, July 24-25, at 6 p.m. (1074 Makawao Ave., 572-7229)
O‘AHU
Moiliili Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (949-1659) Also check moiiliilihongwanji.org for updated information.
Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji: Bon dance and obon services are cancelled. (247-2661)
Haleiwa Shingon Mission: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (637-4423)
Honolulu Koboji Mission: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (841-7033)
Higashi Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (531-9088)
Windward Buddhist Temple: Bon dance and obon services are cancelled. (262-4560) Also check windwardbuddhisttemple.org for updated information.
Waipahu Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (677-4221)
Haleiwa Jodo Mission: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding Töro Nagashi and obon services. (637-4382)
Shinshu Kyokai Mission: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (973-0150)
Jikoen Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (845-3422)
Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission: Bon dance and public obon services are cancelled. (622-1429)
Waianae Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (677-4221)
Seicho-No-Ie Hawaii Jisso Center: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (537-6965)
Aiea Hongwanji: Bon dance is cancelled. Please call the temple regarding obon services. (488-5685)
Palolo Hongwanji: Bon dance and obon services are cancelled. (732-1491)
