The 2024 Obon season is officially underway and will run 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 2024. 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 yukatas (traditional summer kimonos) 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 a 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 2024
Fri., June 28 & Sat., June 29 | 6 to 10:30 p.m.
Hawaii Betsuin
1727 Pali Highway, Honolulu | 808-536-7044 | hawaiibetsuin.org | @hawaiibetsuin
Sat., July 6 | 5 p.m.
11th Annual Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest
1100 University Ave., Honolulu | moiliilisummerfesthi.com | @moiliilifest
Fri., July 12 & Sat., July 13 | 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 12 & Sat., July 13 | 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Koboji Shingon Mission
1223-B North School St., Honolulu | 808-841-7033 | koboji.org | @kobojishingonmission
Fri., July 12 & Sat., July 13 | 7 to 10 p.m.
Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i
1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu | 808-531-9088 | betsuin.hhbt-hi.org | @higashihongwanjihawaii
Sat., July 13 | 6 to 10 p.m.
Windward Buddhist Temple
268A Ku‘ulei Road, Kailua | windwardbuddhisttemple.org | @windwardbuddhisttemple
Sat., July 13 | 7 p.m.
Waipahu Hongwanji
94-821 Kuhaulua St., Waipahu | 808-671-3103 | waipahuhongwanji.org | @waipahutemplesangha
Fri., July 19 & Sat., July 20 | 7 to 10 p.m.
Wahiawā Ryusenji-Soto Mission
164 California Ave., Wahiawa | 808-622-1429
Fri., July 19 & Sat., July 20 | 7 to 10 p.m.
Shinshu Kyokai Mission
1631 S. Beretania St., Honolulu | 808-973-0150 | shinshukyokai.org
Sat., July 20 | 5 p.m.
Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
1731 N. School St., Honolulu | 808-845-3422 | jikoenhongwanji.org
Sat., July 20
Wai‘anae Hongwanji Mission
85-762 Old Government Rd, Wai‘anae | 808-677-4221
Fri., July 26 & Sat., July 27 | 7 p.m.
Hale‘iwa Jodo Mission
66-279 Hale‘iwa Road A, Hale‘iwa | 808-637-4382 | hawaiijodo.net
Fri., July 26 & Sat., July 27 | 5 to 10 p.m.
Palolo Hongwanji
1641 Palolo Ave., Honolulu | 808-732-1491
Sat., Aug. 2 & Sun., Aug. 3 | 7 to 10 p.m.
Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji
94-413 Waipahu St., Waipahu | 808-671-3103 | sotozen.com
Fri., Aug. 9 & Sat., Aug. 10 | TBD
Shingon Mission of Hawai‘i
915 Sheridan St. | 808-941-5663 | shingonshuhawaii.com
Fri., Aug. 9 & Sat., Aug. 10 | 6 to 10 p.m.
Soto Mission of Aiea–Taiheiji
99-045 Kauhale St., Aiea | 808-488-6794 | sotomission.com | @aieataiheiji
Sat., Aug. 10 | 7 to 10 p.m.
Pearl City Hongwanji Mission
858 2nd St., Pearl City | 808-455-1680 | pearlcityhongwanji.com
Fri., Aug. 16 & Sat., Aug. 17 | 7 p.m.
Mililani Hongwanji
95-257 Kaloapau St., Mililani | 808-625-0925
Sat., Aug. 17 | 5 p.m
Jodo Mission of Hawai‘i
1429 Makiki St., Honolulu | 808-949-3995 | jodo.us
Sat., Aug. 24 | 7 p.m
Aiea Hongwanji
99-186 Puakala St., Aiea | 808-487-2626 | aieahongwanji.org
Sat., Aug. 31 | 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Okinawan Festival at Hawaii Convention Center
1801 Kalākaua Ave., Honolulu | 808-676-5400 | okinawanfestival.com | @okinawanfestival
Sat., Sept. 7 | 5 to 9 p.m.
Megabon at Aloha Stadium’s Lower Halawa Lot
99-500 Salt Lake Blvd. | megabonhawaii.com | @megabonhawaii
Sat., Sept. 21 | TBD
Autumn Okinawan Dance Matsuri at Hawai‘i Okinawa Center
94-587 Uke‘e St., Waipahu | 808-676-5400 | huoa.org
Wed., Sept. 25 | TBD
Pearl Country Club
98-535 Kaonohi St. | 808-487-2460 | pearlatkalauao.com
Times and dates are subject to change.
