The 2025 Obon season is officially underway and will run June through September! The Obon festival, a captivating Japanese Buddhist celebration, has become an integral part of Hawaii's cultural tapestry. It is a time when communities gather to honor ancestors, enjoy traditional music and dance, and create lasting memories.
If you're a Hawaii resident or visitor eager to dive into this enchanting event, we have you covered with our ultimate guide to Obon Festivals in 2025. From essential tips for beginners to a comprehensive schedule of Obon dances on Oahu, you won't miss a beat.
What is Obon and Bon Dancing?
Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom that commemorates one's ancestors. According to Buddhist belief, during this time, ancestral spirits return to visit their families. The festival features lively Bon dancing, which expresses gratitude and welcomes the spirits. Dancers, clad in colorful yukata (traditional summer kimono) gracefully move to the rhythm of taiko drums and other traditional instruments.
Tips for Beginners
If you're new to the Obon Festival, here are some tips to help you make the most of this unique cultural experience:
Dress the Part
Embrace the spirit of Obon by wearing yukata or comfortable clothing. Many shops in Hawaii offer rentals, so you can dress authentically.
Join the Workshops
Before the festival, workshops are often held to teach the basics of Bon dancing. Participating in these workshops will boost your confidence and make the actual event more enjoyable.
Explore the Food Stalls
Indulge in delicious Japanese cuisine at festival food stalls. From mouthwatering yakisoba to savory takoyaki, there's a wide array of culinary delights to satisfy your taste buds.
Respectful Observance
Obon is a deeply meaningful event for many people. Show respect by observing the rituals and customs, such as bowing before and after dancing.
Schedule of Obon Dances on Oahu in 2025
Sat., June 7 | 4 to 10 p.m.
Hawaii’s Plantation Village, 94-695 Waipahu St., Waipahu | 808-677-0110 | hawaiiplantationvillage.org | @hawaiisplantationvillage
Fri., June 13 | 7 to 10 p.m.
Pan-Pacific Festival, Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu | panpacificfestival.org | @panpacificfestival
Fri., June 13 and Sat., June 14 | 6 to 10 p.m.
Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission, 1067 California Ave., Wahiawa | 808-622-4320 | wahiawashinbuddists.org | @wahiawahongwangji
Sat., June 21 | 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
Fri., June 27 & Sat., June 28 | 6 to 10:30 p.m.
Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin, 1727 Pali Highway, Honolulu | 808-536-7044 | hawaiibetsuin.org | @hawaiibetsuin
Sat., July 5 | 5 to 10 p.m.
Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest, Washington Middle School, 1633 S King St., Honolulu | moiliilisummerfesthi.com | @moiliilifest
Sat., July 5 | 7 p.m.
Waipahu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 94-821 Kuhaulua St., Waipahu | 808-677-4221 | waipahuhongwanji.org | @waipahutemplesangha
Fri., July 11 & Sat., July 12 | 7 p.m.
Haleiwa Shingon Mission, 66-469 Pa‘ala‘a Rd., Haleiwa | 808-637-4423
Fri., July 11 & Sat., July 12 | 6 to 9 p.m.
Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawaii, 2280 Auhuhu St., Pearl City | 808-455-3212 | rkhawaii.org | @rkkhawaii
Fri., July 11 & Sat., July 12 | 7 p.m.
Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii, 1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu | 808-531-9088 | betsuin.hhbt-hi.org | @higashihongwanjihawaii
Sat., July 12 | 5 to 10 p.m.
Windward Buddhist Temple, 268A Ku‘ulei Road, Kailua | windwardbuddhisttemple.org | @windwardbuddhisttemple
Fri., July 18 & Sat., July 19 | 7 p.m.
Koboji Shingon Mission, 1223-B North School St., Honolulu | 808-841-7033 | koboji.org | @kobojishingonmission
Fri., July 18 & Sat., July 19 | 7 p.m.
Wahiawā Ryusenji-Soto Mission, 164 California Ave., Wahiawa | 808-622-1429
Fri., July 18 & Sat., July 19
Shinshu Kyokai Mission, 1631 S. Beretania St., Honolulu | 808-973-0150 | shinshukyokai.org
Sat., July 19 | 5 to 9 p.m.
Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, 1731 N. School St., Honolulu | 808-845-3422 | jikoenhongwanji.org
Sat., July 19 | 7 p.m.
Waianae Hongwanji Mission, 85-762 Old Government Rd, Waianae | 808-677-4221
Fri., July 25 & Sat., July 26 | 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Palolo Hongwanji, 1641 Palolo Ave., Honolulu | 808-732-1491
Sat., July 26, 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Aiea Hongwanji, 99-186 Puakala St., Aiea | 808-487-2626 | aieahongwanji.org
Fri., Aug. 1 & Sat., Aug. 2 | 7 to 10 p.m.
Haleiwa Jodo Mission, 66-279 Haleiwa Road A, Haleiwa | 808-637-4382 | hawaiijodo.net
Fri., Aug. 1 & Sat., Aug. 2 | 7 to 10 p.m.
Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji, 94-413 Waipahu St., Waipahu | 808-671-3103 | sotozen.com
Wed., Aug. 6 & Sat., Aug. 9 | 6 p.m.
Shingon Mission of Hawaii, 915 Sheridan St. | 808-941-5663 | shingonshuhawaii.com
Fri., Aug. 8 & Sat., Aug. 9 | 6:30 to 10 p.m.
Soto Mission of Aiea–Taiheiji, 99-045 Kauhale St., Aiea | 808-488-6794 | sotomission.com | @aieataiheiji
Sat., Aug. 9
Pearl City Hongwanji Mission, 858 2nd St., Pearl City | 808-455-1680 | pearlcityhongwanji.com
Fri., Aug. 15 & Sat., Aug. 16 | 7 p.m.
Mililani Hongwanji, 95-257 Kaloapau St., Mililani | 808-625-0925
Fri., Aug. 15 & Sat., Aug. 16
Soto Mission of Hawaii, 1708 Nuuanu Ave., Honolulu | 808-537-9409 | sotomission.org | @sotomission
Sat., Aug. 16 | 5 to 9:30 p.m
Jodo Mission of Hawaii, 1429 Makiki St., Honolulu | 808-949-3995 | jodo.us
Sat., Aug. 30 | 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Okinawan Festival at Hawaii Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu | 808-676-5400 | okinawanfestival.com | @okinawanfestival
Sat., Sept. 13 | 4 to 9 p.m.
Megabon at Aloha Stadium’s Lower Halawa Lot, 99-500 Salt Lake Blvd., Honolulu | megabonhawaii.com | @megabonhawaii
Sat., Sept. 20 | 4 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
Sat., Sept. 27, 5 to 9 p.m.
Autumn Matsuri by Senwa Kai at Pālama Settlement, 810 N Vineyard Blvd., Kalihi-Pālama | 808-848-2500
Dates and times are subject to change.
