Bon Festivals

By Caroline Wright

Each summer, the courtyards and lawns and parking lots of Hawaii's Buddhist temples come alive with excitement and activity.

Carpenters and volunteers put the finishing touches on elevated stages called yagura and cover their bases with red and white striped canvas.

Strings of paper lanterns are raised to create canopies of light. Music troupes ascend the yagura with their shamisen and bamboo flutes. While the taiko drummers line up, dancers anxiously adjust their cotton yukata kimonos and happi coats. As part of the inner circle, they will lead the bon odori—the bon dance, a celebration of life and a tribute to the dead that began 500 years ago in feudal Japan.

Across the Hawaiian Islands, dozens of hongwanji, or temples, host Bon Festivals and dances, in a season that generally begins in June and ends in late August. The origins of this fascinating tradition begin with the story of a disciple of Buddha who used his supernatural powers to look upon his recently deceased mother. When he saw that she was miserable and surrounded by hungry spirits, he asked the Buddha for guidance, and was told to make offerings to his fellow monks. His mother was released, and he danced with joy.

Japanese immigrants brought the tradition to Hawaii, and the first bon dance was held here in 1910. Dances at some of the larger temples attract huge crowds. But the festivals aren't just for spectators, or for Buddhists, or for those of Japanese descent. Everybody's welcome to join the dancers as they circle the yagura. The food at bon festivals is legendary and reasonably priced, and some events also have craft booths. You can make new friends, sample delicious treats (don't miss the andagi!), and pay tribute to ancestral spirits. Grab a happi coat and join the dance!

Hongwanji around the Hawaiian Islands

Here's a sampling of Buddhist hongwanji that host bon dances each summer between June and August. Please call to inquire about dates and details.

Date(s):    Annually, June through August

Location:    Various Buddhist hongwanji (temples) throughout Hawaii
   
OAHU

Haleiwa Jodo Mission, (808) 637-4382

Haleiwa Shingon Mission, (808) 637-4423

Honpa Hongwanji, (808) 536-7044

Jodo Mission of Hawaii, (808) 949-3995

Koboji Shingon Mission, (808) 841-7033

Manoa Koganji, (808) 988-4905

Mililani Hongwanji, (808) 625-0925

Moiliili Hongwanji, (808) 949-1659

Nichiren Mission of Hawaii, (808) 595-3517

Shingon Shu Hawaii, (808) 941-5663

Shinshu Kyokai Mission, (808) 973-0150

Soto Mission of Hawaii Shoboji, (808) 537-9409

BIG ISLAND

Hilo Higashi Hongwanji, (808) 935-8968

Kamuela Hongwanji, (808) 775-7232

Kohala Hongwanji, (808) 775-7532

Kohala Jodo Mission, (808) 889-5456

Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission, (808) 322-3524

Kona Hongwanji, (808) 323-2993

Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission, (808) 324-1741

Papaikou Hongwanji, (808) 964-1640

Puna Hongwanji Pahoa Shibu, (808) 966-9981

KAUAI

Lihue Hongwanji, (808) 245-6262

Kapaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, (808) 822-4667

Kapaa Jodo Mission, (808) 822-4319

Koloa Jodo Mission, (808) 742-6735

Waimea Shingon Mission, (808) 388-1854

West Kauai Hongwanji Hanapepe Temple, (808) 338-1537

West Kauai Hongwanji Waimea Temple, (808) 338-1537

MAUI

Kahului Hongwanji, (808) 871-4732

Kahului Jodo Mission, (808) 244-0066

Lahaina Hongwanji, (808) 661-0640

Lahaina Jodo Mission, (808) 661-4304

Makawao Hongwanji, (808) 572-7229

Wailuku Hongwanji, (808) 244-0406

Wailuku Jodo Mission, (808) 244-0066

Wailuku Shingon Mission, (808) 242-5618

LANAI

Lanai Hongwanji, (808) 565-6151)

MOLOKAI

Guzeiji Soto Mission of Molokai, (808) 537-9409

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