Bon Dance at Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji (Friday & Saturday)
2 Nights: Friday and Saturday
Bon Dance, Taiko Performance, Food Booths, Activities
Obon Festival & Bon Dance at Soto Mission of Aiea
2 NIGHTS - Friday & Saturday!
The Soto Mission of Aiea’s Bon Dance is perhaps the most festive event at Taiheiji. Hundreds upon hundreds of people come to Taiheiji to enjoy two evenings of dancing and food. Dancers form rings around the Bon Dance tower called the yagura and dance to both recorded music and live musicians.
The evening begins with an exciting performance by Hawaii Matsuri Taiko and Taiheiji’s own Somei Taiko Group. The Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi which performs at several other Bon Dances each year, return for their homecoming at Taiheiji and play the popular Fukushima Ondo.
22nd Korean Festival Hawaii
Sharing, promoting, and raising awareness of Korean culture in the community. The Korean Festival presents a unique, authentic taste of Korean culture through food, dance, art, music, and entertainment. Organized by the Korean Festival Foundation.
Okinawan Festival 2026 (more info to come)
Stay tuned for more details!
Cultural performances, activities, exhibits, marketplace, bon dance.
And FOOD! Freshly made ANDAGI, shave ice, Okinawa soba, Pig’s Feet soup, Champura and more.
Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals
Discover a world of imagination, where music, movement, and art reveal the beauty and wonder of some of our planet’s most extraordinary animals.
Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals is a visually captivating, multidisciplinary performance celebrating some of the planet’s most rare and remarkable creatures. Through a seamless blend of live music, dance, and larger-than-life puppetry, audiences are invited on an unforgettable journey into the beauty of the natural world.
Presented by Ocean Music Action in partnership with Hawaiʻi Theatre Center, this World Premiere performance features newly commissioned choreography by Dance Heginbotham with dancers of Ballet Hawaiʻi, performed alongside an evocative live musical score. Large-scale animal puppetry by Obie Award–winning puppeteer Greg Corbino brings each creature to life with striking detail and expressive storytelling.
Original poetry by local students is woven throughout the performance, offering a poignant reflection on connection, care, and our shared responsibility for the future of these animals. Bringing together internationally recognized artists and leading local creatives, Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals is a feast for the senses and a powerful call to action— an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals
Discover a world of imagination, where music, movement, and art reveal the beauty and wonder of some of our planet’s most extraordinary animals.
Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals is a visually captivating, multidisciplinary performance celebrating some of the planet’s most rare and remarkable creatures. Through a seamless blend of live music, dance, and larger-than-life puppetry, audiences are invited on an unforgettable journey into the beauty of the natural world.
Presented by Ocean Music Action in partnership with Hawaiʻi Theatre Center, this World Premiere performance features newly commissioned choreography by Dance Heginbotham with dancers of Ballet Hawaiʻi, performed alongside an evocative live musical score. Large-scale animal puppetry by Obie Award–winning puppeteer Greg Corbino brings each creature to life with striking detail and expressive storytelling.
Original poetry by local students is woven throughout the performance, offering a poignant reflection on connection, care, and our shared responsibility for the future of these animals. Bringing together internationally recognized artists and leading local creatives, Carnival of the Nearly Extinct Animals is a feast for the senses and a powerful call to action— an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
Aloha Festivals 72th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a
Get ready for a beachfront street festival like no other!
Kalākaua Avenue will be transformed with booths showcasing Hawai‘i cuisine, crafts and culture stretching as far as the eye can see. Taste the best of local flavors from around the island in one place, and peruse artisan-made crafts. Multiple stages with incredible entertainment will rock the evening featuring top local artists, award-winning hālau hula, and more.
Hokus Pokus Live!
Get ready to run amok, amok, amok! The witches are back and confused about what is happening in this new world of 2026! Hokus Pokus Live! is a hilarious, high-camp parody of everyone’s favorite Halloween cult classic, brought to life by drag royalty. With the power of Magica Mystica, Salem’s most infamous and glamorous trio is resurrected from the grave for one night only. Be wary; they are willing to attack and suck the life force out of everyone in their way to stay young, beautiful, and alive forever! This all live singing, fully scripted theatrical experience is unlike any other show you've ever seen!
All ages.
Miss Showgirl of the Pacific Pageant 2026
The Miss Showgirl of the Pacific Pageant is a premier LGBTQIA+ cultural event, proudly presented by UTOPIA Hawai’i Inc..
Celebrating its first annual event in Hawai’i, the pageant provides a dynamic platform to honor Pacific Islander culture, heritage, and artistry, while championing diversity, inclusivity, and LGBTQIA+ pride.
Designed to go beyond the traditional beauty pageant format, the competition uplifts and empowers participants by showcasing not only physical presentation but also talent, creativity, leadership, and advocacy. Contestants are encouraged to express their personal and cultural identities through traditional and contemporary attire, choreographed performances, and storytelling, highlighting the richness and diversity of Pacific Islander communities.
Aloha Festivals 78th Annual Floral Parade
A colorful procession of Hawaiian culture through Waikīkī
Intricate floats decorated with a rainbow of fresh flowers and men and women on horseback showcasing the traditional art of pāʻū riding. Participants from marching bands to hālau hula to civic leaders display the unique aloha spirit that unites Hawai‘i’s community.
Honouliuli - A History Awakened 80th Commemoration
A unique immersive theatrical experience bringing the history of the Honouliuli Internment Camp to life through a powerful fusion of dance, music, and poetry. The performance will illuminate the experiences, resilience, and humanity of those who were incarcerated — offering audiences an unforgettable and deeply moving journey into this important chapter of history.
Featuring, Jake Shimabukuro, Kenny Endo, Hawai’i Youth Symphony, Hui ʻIwa Academy, Jill Togawa’s Purple Moon Dance Project, Halla Huhm Korean Dance Studio, Will Espero and Sharon & Lauren Fujimoto-Johnson.
Bon Dance at Aiea Hongwanji
Saturday night only
Bon Dance, Taiko Performance, Food Booths, Activities
Bon Dance at Palolo Hongwanji(Friday & Saturday Nights)
2 Nights! Friday & Saturday: Traditional bon dance music and dance
One of Oʻahu’s BEST Bon Dances, known for its welcoming community, great food, family activities, and unforgettable summer atmosphere. Whether you come every year or it’s your first time, we invite you to celebrate with us!
✨ Enjoy:
• Traditional Bon Dance throughout the evening
• Amazing local food vendors
• Shopping from small businesses & community organizations
• Family-friendly games and activities
• A welcoming community atmosphere for all ages
🅿️ FREE Parking at Chaminade University of Honolulu
🚌 Shuttle Service: 4:45 PM–9:45 PM
Come support local vendors, small businesses, and our community while helping keep this meaningful tradition alive for future generations.
Bring your family, invite your friends, and experience why so many local families make Palolo Hongwanji Bon Dance part of their summer tradition year after year. 🏮✨
Good food. Good people. Good memories.
Bon Dance at Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
Bon Dance at Shinshu Kyokai Mission (Friday & Saturday Nights)
2 Nights! Friday & Saturday: Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
Bon Dance at Haleiwa Jodo Mission (Friday & Saturday Nights)
2 Nights! Friday & Saturday
Community members come together to experience Japanese culture and traditions including bon dance, local and ethnic foods, dress, activities and more.
Bon Dance at Wahiawa Ryusenji-Soto Mission (Friday & Saturday Nights)
2 Nights! Friday & Saturday: Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
Bon Dance at Shinshu Kyokai Mission (Friday & Saturday Nights)
2 Nights! Friday & Saturday: Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
Bon Dance at Windward Buddhist Temple
Annual Bon Dance in Kailua!
Country Market opens at 5 pm featuring a rummage sale and numerous homemade merchandise items; baked goods such as manju and Okinawan nantu; takuan, bitter melon namasu, and assorted pickled vegetables.
Food Concession open at 6 pm and features our BBQ Stick and Hot Dog Dinner Plate, chili, saimin, SPAM musubi, and our famous andagi, which will be served hot and fresh while supplies last.
Bon Dance will begin at 7pm and last until approximately 10pm.
Bon Dance at Higashi Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin (Fri & Sat Evenings)
2 NIGHTS - Friday & Saturday!
Traditional bon dance music and dance.
Bon Dance at Haleiwa Shingon Mission (Friday & Saturday Nights)
Community members come together to experience Japanese culture and traditions including bon dance, local and ethnic foods, dress, activities and more.
Dates and time subject to change.
Obon Festival & Bon Dance at Rissho Kosei-Kai Buddhist Church of Hawaii (Fri & Sat Nights)
2 NIGHTS – Friday and Saturday!
Traditional bon dance music and dance provided by the Young Okinawans of Hawaii. There will be food booths serving oden, BBQ plates, warabi mochi, shave ice, musubi, ramen and chow fun. We will also have games for children. We offer visitors a way to pay respect for your ancestors by lighting a candle and place their name on our alter for prayer.
Bon Dance at Koboji Shingon Mission (Fri & Sat Evenings)
2 Nights - Friday & Saturday!
The food booth will open by 5:30pm on Friday and following the Hatsu Bon service on Saturday. Cash only, please.
Bon Dance at Waipahu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
2 Nights! Friday & Saturday: Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
13th Annual Moiliili Summer Fest & Bon Dance (Back at University Avenue)
The Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest is an annual festival held during the Bon season and is a fundamental aspect of modern-day culture and life in Hawaii. Celebrating Japanese and Hawaiian roots of one of the oldest neighborhoods in Hawaii, the Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest is home to the largest Bon dance in Honolulu.
Bon Dance at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin (Fri & Sat Evenings)
2 Nights: Friday and Saturday
At 6 p.m., festivities begin outside with a taiko drumming performance, which will be followed by an opening aspiration from the yagura (the stage around which we dance) at 6:15 p.m. Dancing begins at 6:30 p.m.
Dancing
Taiko drumming (PBA on Friday, temple’s group on Saturday)
Fellowship
Honoring ancestors
Bontique shop in our Social Hall
Professional photos by Studio FX3 (kimonos & assistance dressing provided!)
Temple tours (from main, upper-level sanctuary or hondo)
Kids’ “Wheel of Chances” game
Ono food!
BBQ Plates & Bowls
Hot Dogs, Teri Hamburgers
Saimin
Chili
Soy Beans
Spam Musubi
Shave Ice
Andagi (Saturday only)
Baked Goods
Water, Juice, Soda
Bon Dance at Ewa Hongwanji Mission
“As we celebrate Obon, don't forget to look up into the night sky. As countless as the stars in the sky are, so are the teachings of our ancestors and the many lives that come into our lives. Let us take the time to contemplate that and appreciate the lives we have because of others.” - Ewa Hongwanji Reverend
27th Annual Haleiwa Arts Festival (Day 2)
Nestled on the North Shore of Oahu, the Haleiwa Arts Festival has become a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and vibrant artistic community of Hawaii. Since its inception, the festival has grown into a cornerstone event, attracting artists, visitors, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
27th Annual Haleiwa Arts Festival (Day 1)
Nestled on the North Shore of Oahu, the Haleiwa Arts Festival has become a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and vibrant artistic community of Hawaii. Since its inception, the festival has grown into a cornerstone event, attracting artists, visitors, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
Bon Dance at Wahiawa Hongwanji Mission (Friday & Saturday Evenings)
2 NIGHTS! Traditional bon dance music and dance
Food booths, activities, fun for all ages.
43rd Pan-Pacific Festival Performing Arts Showcase
Festival Weekend Overview:
Performing Arts Showcase: Starting on Friday, June 12 the Pan-Pacific Festival will showcase performances from Ala Moana to Waikīkī through Sunday, June 14, from local taiko groups and dance groups, and more!
Pan-Pacific Hula Festival: Located at the Kūhiō Beach Hula Mound, events start from Friday, June 12 through Sunday, June 14 with hula halau from both Japan and Hawai‘i performing. There will be several stages with performances by local artists, Japanese dance groups, and more, along with delicious festival food, treats, and much more.
Pan-Pacific Ho‘olaule‘a: The ho‘olaule‘a block party kicks off on Friday, June 12, from 7 to 10 p.m. along Kalākaua Ave. from Seaside Ave. to Uluniu Ave. and will feature performance stages, various food and festival food booths, as well as other vendors. The Bon Dance is also along the ho‘olaule‘a route.
Pan-Pacific Parade: The festival concludes with the Pan-Pacific Parade on Sunday, June 14, beginning at 5 p.m. along Kalākaua Ave.
36th Annual Obon Celebration at Hawaii’s Plantation Village
This year’s celebration will once again feature 10 bon dance groups from all over Oahu. The 10 groups featured are: Ewa Fukushima Bon Dance Club Haleiwa Bon Dance Club Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai Hawaii Shin Kobukai Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai Koolau Sakura Odori Kai Oahu District Bon Dance Club Senwa Kai Wahiawa Hongwanji Bon Dance Team Waipahu Soto Mission Bon Dance Class
The celebration will also feature special performances by emcee and singer Hikariyama Torao and taiko performances by Waipahu Taiyoji Taiko and Ryugen Taiko. A special lantern floating ceremony will also take place at the village pond at sunset. A limited number of lanterns will be available for purchase at the event at the Waipahu Soto Zen Temple tent.
Obon Dance Workshop presented by Hawaii State Library
Bon Season is upon us! All are welcome to come and learn dances that are often danced at the bon dance; which for Hawai’i will be until October. This program is fun for all ages and will be held in the Adult Reading Room!
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Bon Dances or Bon Odori, it is an annual Japanese Dance Festival that occurs during Obon season in the Summer. It is a celebration of family, heritage, tradition, a celebration of life, and a way to honor ones’ ancestors. Children under 12 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Paheli
The Doris Duke Theatre is thrilled to present Pahelī—a vibrant evening of Indian classical, folk, and Bollywood performances, rhythms and choreographies from around the world, vocals, instrumentals, and much more! Pahelī means a puzzle, riddle, or an enigma, and this production invites you into the mystery and magic of music and movement with your favorite classics and exciting new spins.
Presented by Sai Bhatawadekar and her team of talented dancers, musicians, and guest artists in and outside of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. Enjoy the dance concert as you smile, sing, clap, and tap along!
Circa Humans 2.0
Ten bodies appear in a flash of light. They move in harmony for a fleeting moment and then descend into a sinuous trance. Towers grow and decay, bodies leap and are caught, as physical limits are pushed to their extreme. Can we ever find a perfect balance or is adapting to constant change the only way forward?
This next chapter of Circa’s internationally acclaimed Humans is a tightly woven choreography of bodies, pulsing with music by composer Ori Lichtik and revealed in Paul Jackson’s dramatic lighting. Created by circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz, Humans 2.0 is intimate, primal and deeply engaged with the challenge of being human.
30th Annual Honolulu Festival & Parade 2026
The Honolulu Festival is Hawaii’s premier cultural event, promoting mutual understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region. Each year, the Festival attracts thousands of new and returning spectators who are looking for an experience unique to Hawaii. Through educational programs and activities sponsored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, the Festival has been successful in showcasing the rich and vibrant blend of Asia, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures to the rest of the world. The three day extravaganza takes place every year in March from Friday through Sunday.
SUNDAY, MARCH 15 SCHEDULE
08:00 -
SISTER EVENT Honolulu Rainbow EKIDEN 2026
10:00 - 15:00
Craft Fair / Ennichi Corner / Food Corner
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
10:00 - 15:00
16:00 - 20:00
20:30 - 20:45
30th Annual Honolulu Festival 2026
The Honolulu Festival is Hawaii’s premier cultural event, promoting mutual understanding, economic cooperation and ethnic harmony between the people of Hawaii and the Pacific Rim region. Each year, the Festival attracts thousands of new and returning spectators who are looking for an experience unique to Hawaii. Through educational programs and activities sponsored by the Honolulu Festival Foundation, the Festival has been successful in showcasing the rich and vibrant blend of Asia, Pacific and Hawaiian cultures to the rest of the world. The three day extravaganza takes place every year in March from Friday through Sunday.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
10:00 - 18:00
Craft Fair / Ennichi Corner / Food Corner
10:00 - 18:00
10:00 - 18:00
10:00 - 18:00
10:00 - 18:00
11:00 -
Maui Mikoshi Unveiling Ceremony
11:00 - 18:00
Swingposium
Conceived and produced by San Jose Taiko
Created by San Jose Taiko, Epic Immersive, and Wesley Jazz Ensemble
Japanese Americans have the dubious distinction of being the only U.S. citizen group incarcerated due to wartime hysteria. Sadly, many Americans are unaware of this history. As more internees pass away, it becomes ever more important to preserve their history and share its lessons with younger generations. San Jose Taiko’s highly-acclaimed Swingposium employs the power of performance to teach about Internment and foster dialogue around civil rights, honoring the resilience of those who lived through Internment.
"Swingposium," celebrates the big band scene that emerged while Japanese American people were in incarceration camps.
“The whole show starts with the door swinging open. You've just been transported through time," Imperial said. The classic Benny Goodman song, “In the Mood," plays courtesy of a live jazz ensemble, and the audience starts dancing.
“As an audience member, you are not just watching, but you are participating," he said. "Imagine yourself walking onto a movie set from the 1940s, in an internment camp dance hall. And so you're surrounded by actors, dancers, Taiko musicians.”
Swingposium
Conceived and produced by San Jose Taiko
Created by San Jose Taiko, Epic Immersive, and Wesley Jazz Ensemble
Japanese Americans have the dubious distinction of being the only U.S. citizen group incarcerated due to wartime hysteria. Sadly, many Americans are unaware of this history. As more internees pass away, it becomes ever more important to preserve their history and share its lessons with younger generations. San Jose Taiko’s highly-acclaimed Swingposium employs the power of performance to teach about Internment and foster dialogue around civil rights, honoring the resilience of those who lived through Internment.
"Swingposium," celebrates the big band scene that emerged while Japanese American people were in incarceration camps.
“The whole show starts with the door swinging open. You've just been transported through time," Imperial said. The classic Benny Goodman song, “In the Mood," plays courtesy of a live jazz ensemble, and the audience starts dancing.
“As an audience member, you are not just watching, but you are participating," he said. "Imagine yourself walking onto a movie set from the 1940s, in an internment camp dance hall. And so you're surrounded by actors, dancers, Taiko musicians.”
Aloha Festivals 77th Annual Floral Parade
A colorful procession of Hawaiian culture through Waikīkī
Intricate floats decorated with a rainbow of fresh flowers and men and women on horseback showcasing the traditional art of pāʻū riding. Participants from marching bands to hālau hula to civic leaders display the unique aloha spirit that unites Hawai‘i’s community.
Aloha Festivals 71th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a
Get ready for a beachfront street festival like no other!
Kalākaua Avenue will be transformed with booths showcasing Hawai‘i cuisine, crafts and culture stretching as far as the eye can see. Taste the best of local flavors from around the island in one place, and peruse artisan-made crafts. Multiple stages with incredible entertainment will rock the evening featuring top local artists, award-winning hālau hula, and more.