Guide to O‘ahu Bon Dance Food: August 2024
The latest temple-by-temple guide to hamburger curry, fried noodles, KC Waffle Dogs and more from Makiki to Waipahu to Mililani.
Photo: Andrea Lee
Obon season winds down in August, when kids in Hawai‘i go back to school, though Japan marks its official bon holidays in the middle of the month. Eight bon dances light up weekend nights in this eighth month, including the highlight event of the annual Okinawan Festival.
While shrinking manpower means more temples are calling in food truck vendors, bon dance food classics still abound. And don’t forget the country stores, crafts and other features more temples are adding on.
Pastele stew, hamburger curry, fried noodles, KC Waffle Dogs and andagi, of course, plenty of andagi: Here’s your temple-by-temple guide to August’s bon dance food lineups.
SEE ALSO: O‘ahu Bon Dance Schedule 2024
AUGUST
August 2 & 3: Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji
Where: 94-413 Waipahu St.
When: Food concession opens at 5:30 pm; bon dance 7 to 10 p.m.
Contact: (808) 671-3103
Payment: Cash only
Parking: Offsite parking at Waipahu Elementary and Waipahu Hongwanji, shuttle services to bon dance start at 4:30 p.m.
Grinds: Andagi, andadog, fried noodles, Okinawan soba, beef stew, pastele stew (Friday only), kim chee soup (Saturday only), BBQ chicken bento, chicken wings and fries, handmade croquette, teri burger, shave ice, Roselani ice cream, soda/juice/water
August 9 & 10: Shingon Mission of Hawai‘i
Where: 915 Sheridan St.
When: 6 p.m.
Contact: (808) 941-5663
Payment: Cash only
Special performances: Chinagu Eisa Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Eisa Shinyuukai, Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai, Honolulu Fukushima Bon Dance Club, with guest Anju Madoka
Parking: Street parking
Grinds: Mama’s Bentos, Honolulu Baking Company/Kaka‘ako Eats, KC Waffle Dog, Uncle Phil’s Andagi, shave ice
Aug. 10: Pearl City Hongwanji Mission
Where: 858 2nd St.
When: Country Store, Crafts and Asian Treasures, Dessert Cafe, Organic Vegetables from 4:30 to 10 p.m.; food booths open 5 p.m., bon dance 7 to 10 p.m.
Contact: (808) 455-1680, pearlcityhongwanji.com
Payment: Cash only
Parking: Across the street under the H-1 or across from Lehua Avenue
Grinds: Burgers, fried noodles, Chinese chicken salad, musubi, lumpia, chili, shave ice, andagi, kettle corn and more
Aug. 16 & 17: Mililani Hongwanji
Where: 95-257 Kaloapau St.
When: Food trucks, country store, craft fair and silent auction open 5:30 p.m.; bon dance at 7 p.m.
Contact: (808) 625-0925
Lantern Parade: 6:30 p.m. on Friday
Payment: Cash only, some vendors may accept card
Parking: Street parking
Grinds: Kona Ice (shave ice), Roselani Ice Cream, 100% Hawaiian (Hawaiian and local food), Waialua BBQ (barbecue skewers), 808 Island Craving (Mexican food), The Clubhouse Mililani, ReecieB’s (Local plates), Da Andagi Guy
Aug. 16 & 17: Soto Mission of Hawai‘i
Where: 1708 Nu‘uanu Ave.
When: 7 to 10 p.m.
Contact: (808) 537-9409, sotomission.org, @sotomission
Taiko Performance: Somei Taiko & Hawai‘i Matsuri Taiko at 6:15 p.m.
Payment: Cash only
Parking: Available at SEEQS, Honpa Hongwanji and Mission School
Grinds: Teriyaki chicken plate, chili rice, chili dog, hot dog, teri burger, fried noodles, saimin, nachos (subject to change)
Aug. 17: Jodo Mission of Hawai‘i
Where: 1429 Makiki St.
When: Concessions open 4:30 p.m., prayer service at 5 p.m., bon dance 5:05 to 9:30 p.m.
Contact: (808) 949-3995, jodo.us
Taiko performance: Dragon Beat at 4:30 p.m.
Additional activities: Bishop Ishikawa has koto music inside the temple, crafts inside, and lantern activity TBD
Payment: Cash or check only
Parking: Limited parking in the lot, closes at 4 p.m. and patrons must stay until the end of the dance. Additional parking at Hawai‘i Mission Academy Ka Lama Iki, limited parking at Shriners Hospital, and parking open 5 to 10 p.m. on the Punahou side of Central Union Church
Grinds: Bento, maki sushi, Spam musubi, musubi, hamburger curry and vegetable curry, chili, shave ice, andagi, soda, juice, water
Aug. 24: ‘Aiea Hongwanji
Where: 99-186 Puakala St.
When: 7 p.m.
Contact: (808) 487-2626, aieahongwanji.org
Taiko Performance: Alumni of Hyaku Sen Ki Kai Taiko at 6:30
Featured dancers and musicians: ‘Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi, Hawai‘i Eisa Shinyuu Kai, The O‘ahu Bon Dance Dancers and ‘Aiea Hongwanji Preschoolers
Additional activities: Craft fair, children’s games area, DIY uchiwa fan decorating table
Payment: Cash only
Parking: Offsite parking available after 6 p.m. at ‘Aiea United Methodist Church on Uahi St. and at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Kamakani St. parking lot
Grinds: Chicken mini bento, hot dogs, chili bowls, fried noodles, andagi/anda dogs, shave ice and drinks
Aug. 31 & Sept. 1: Okinawan Festival
Where: Hawai‘i Convention Center, 1801 Kalākaua Ave.
When: no admission charge to enter the Exhibit Hall at 4 p.m., Most Okinawan Festival booths shut down at 5 p.m., only a limited number of food booths remain open during the Bon Dance, Welcoming/Opening at 5:30 p.m., remaining food booths close at 8 p.m., bon dance Saturday only 5:30 to 9 p.m.
Contact: (808) 676-5400, okinawanfestival.com, @okinawanfestival
Payment: Okinawan Festival Scrip; scrip may be purchased with cash or credit card at designated scrip booth
Parking: Hawaii Convention Center – $15 event parking, no in/out privileges, parking is first come, first serve and availability is very limited, Off-site parking and shuttle service – off-site parking location(s) TBD, shuttle service $3.00 (round trip), visit www.okinawanfestival.com for updates, Ala Moana Shopping Center – hourly rates apply
Grinds: Andagi, andadog, Okinawa soba, bento, bottled soda water (While supplies last; food booths listed above to remain open until 8:00PM or sold out)
JULY
July 6: 11th Annual Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest
Where: 1100 University Ave.
When: 5–10 p.m.
Contact: (808) 949-1659, moiliilisummerfesthi.com
Follow: @moiliilifest
Parking: UH Mānoa with shuttle, Shinnyo-En Parking Lot, $25 for premium parking in mauka area of festival
Payment: Cash/card accepted, ATM available onsite
Grinds: Food vendors: JJ’z Treatz (crack seed), Wrap & Roll Lunchwagon (assorted wraps and plates), Chibi Confectionery (small baked goods and desserts), Waialua BBQ (barbecue skewers), Str’Eats of Aloha (assorted plate lunches), Da Mochi Guys, Tropicold Wai (Polynesian vaifala), Hott Potstickers, 808IslandCravings (tacos), Jugem (curry), Oli’s Kitchen (assorted plate lunches), Hawaiian Pie Co., Sausage Fest Hawai‘i (hot dogs), Jrs Jamaican Jerk (Jamaican plates), Kealoha Seafood/Da Hub (seafood plates), Asato Family Shop (sherbet), Hawaiian Honey Cones (ice cream cones), Corn Onoz (corn on the cob), Sama Sama (boba drinks), Kona Ice, Jackie’s Kitchen, Wingman (wings), Steak Farm (steak plates and sandwiches), Sato Seafood (poke bowls), Fujiyama Texas (kushi-katsu), andagi
Made by Mō‘ili‘ili Hongwanji Mission volunteers: Shoyu Pork, yakisoba, teri burger, natto pasta, saimin, Spam musubi, natto Cups, yudofu, mochi
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to the 11th Annual Mō‘ili‘ili Summer Fest
July 12 & 13: Hale‘iwa Shingon Mission
Where: 66-469 Pa‘ala‘a Rd.
When: service at 6 p.m., bon dance at 7 to 10:30 p.m.
Contact: 808-637-4423
Payment: Cash
Parking: Street parking
Grinds: Saimin, hot dog, teri sticks, teri burgers, chili rice, chili dog, chili rice dog, shave ice, Spam musubi, bara-zushi
July 12 & 13: Koboji Shingon Mission
Where: 1223-B North School St.
When: 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.; Food booths open at 5:30pm
Contact: 808-841-7033, koboji.org/obon
Follow: @kobojishingonmission
Parking: Free parking at Damien Memorial School until 11 p.m.
Payment: Cash only
Grinds: Local boy stew, garlic chicken plate, teri hamburger plate, yakisoba, chili and rice bowl, teri hamburger bun, andagi, and shave ice.
Special Food Vendor: Pitch Sports Bar
July 12 & 13: Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawai‘i
Where: 2280 Auhuhu St.
When: 6 to 9 p.m.
Contact: 808-455-3212, rkhawaii.org
Follow: @rkkhawaii
Performance: Hikariyama Torao singing classical Enka-style Japanese music
Parking: Pacific Palisades Community Park, Palisades Elementary School, Palisades Baptist Church, street parking
Payment: Scripts purchased from ticket booth
Grinds: Oden, okonomiyaki, BBQ chicken & beef bentos, andagi, lumpia, tendon, Spam musubi, shave ice, roasted corn, mochi, chow fun, saimin, pork guisantes, chicken adobo
July 12 & 13: Higashi Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i
Where: 1685 Alaneo St.
When: Parking opens 4:30, Food vendors open at 5:30, Manto-E service at 6:30, Bon Dance from 7 to 10 p.m.
Contact: 808-531-9088, betsuin.hhbt-hi.org
Follow: @higashihongwanjihawaii
Parking: Lanakila Elementary School, Lanakila Senior Center, Lanakila St. Street parking (limited, so consider carpool or bus to the Alaneo and School St. stop)
Payment: Cash recommended, some vendors accept card
Grinds: Food vendors: Shimazu Shave Ice, Ohana dish (shoyu chicken and curry bentos), Sushi King (Chirashi bowls, salmon katsu and chicken karaage plates), Nabeya Maido (hiyashi chuka and take home nabe bowls), Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko (andagi), Ty’s BBQ and Grill (somen salad, barbecue beef and yakisoba)
July 13: Windward Buddhist Temple
Where: 268A Ku‘ulei Road
When: 5 to 10 p.m.
Contact: windwardbuddhisttemple.org
Follow: @windwardbuddhisttemple
Parking: Around the temple grounds
Payment: Cash only
Grinds: BBQ Stick and Hot Dog Dinner Plate, chili, saimin, Spam musubi, andagi, country market baked goods (manju and Okinawan nantu, takuan, bitter melon namasu, assorted pickled vegetables)
July 13: Waipahu Hongwanji
Where: 94-821 Kuhaulua St.
When: 7 p.m.
Contact: (808) 677-4221, waipahuhongwanji.org
Follow: @waipahutemplesangha
Parking: limited parking onsite, street parking in the industrial area on Makoiko St.
Payment: Cash only
Grinds: Food vendors: Da Andagi Guy, Tamura’s Super Market (bentos), friends of the late Jon Tokuhara (lumpia and desserts)
Made by Waipahu Hongwanji volunteers: beef stew, chili, teri burgers, fried yakisoba noodles, Spam musubi, bbq beef sticks, and shave ice
July 19 & 20: WahiawĀ Ryusenji-Soto Mission
Where: 164 California Ave., Wahiawā
When: 7 to 10 p.m.
Contact: 808-622-1429, ryusenjisotomission@msn.com
Ryugen Taiko Performances: July 19 at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., July 20 at 6:30 p.m.
Parking: Additional parking available at Ka‘ala Elementary School
Payment: Cash only
Grinds: Special dinner plate, chicken hekka, fried noodles, saimin, burgers, chili, shave ice
July 19 & 20: Shinshu Kyokai Mission
Where: 1631 S. Beretania St.
When: Service at 6 p.m., bon dance from 7 to 10 p.m.
Contact: 808-973-0150, shinshukyokai.org
Follow: @SKM.Hawaii
Parking: Across street, lawn of Central Union Church
Payment: Cash only, Nabeya Maido accepts card
Grinds: Food vendors: Kona Ice Ohana (shave ice), Andagi by Layne, Nabeya Maido (cold noodle bowl)
Made by Shinshu Kyokai Mission volunteers: Mini bento (rice, takuwan, uzumaki, cooked veggies, laulau, pickled onions, lomi salmon), yakitori, BBQ meat, shoyu pork, chili dog with rice or bun, liliko‘i butter mochi, oyako donburi, Spam musubi, chili and rice, saimin, boiled peanuts, BBQ sticks, BBQ on a bun, May’s teri hamburger, hot dog, biscotti, baked goods
July 20: Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
Where: 1731 N. School St.
When: 5 to 9:30 p.m.
Contact: 808-845-3422, jikoenhongwanji.org
Parking: Parking will be available at Kapalama Elementary School
Payment: Cash only
Grinds: Andagi, BBQ chicken mini plate, Okinawan sweet potato-haupia pie, Spam musubi, fried noodles, saimin, edamame, maki sushi, teri burger, shave ice, drinks
July 20: Wai‘anae Hongwanji Mission
Where: 85-762 Old Government Rd.
Contact: (808) 677-4221 – note: phone number for Waipahu Hongwanji, the listed number for Wai‘anae does not work
Parking: TBD
Payment: TBD
Grinds: Food vendors: Tamura’s Super Market, more info to come
July 26 & 27: Hale‘iwa Jodo Mission
Where: 66-279 Hale‘iwa Road A
When: 7 to 10 p.m.
Contact: 808-637-4382, hawaiijodo.net
Parking: Additional parking at Hale‘iwa Ali‘i Beach Park
Payment: Cash only
Grinds: (subject to change) Hot dog, bento, maki sushi, inari sushi, teri burger, anadgi, ice cake
July 26 & 27: Palolo Hongwanji
Where: 1641 Palolo Ave.
Contact: 808-732-1491
Details TBA
SEE ALSO: Here’s What You Need to Know About Bon Dances
JUNE
June 15: ‘Ewa Hongwanji Mission
Where: 91-1133 Renton Road
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Contact: (808) 681-5222, sites.google.com/view/ewa-buddhist-temple/home
Follow: @EwaHongwanji
Parking: Street parking
Grinds: Bento with chicken, spam, fish, bbq beef, mandoo, rice; fried noodles, andagi, baked goods, drinks, and Kona Ice shave ice
Photo: Michael Ching
June 21 & 22: WahiawĀ Hongwanji
Where: 1067 California Ave.
When: 6 p.m.
Contact: (808) 622-4320, wahiawashinbuddhists.org
Follow: @whm96786, @wahiawahongwanji
Parking: Street parking
Grinds: Food vendors: Scratchmade by Venus (baked desserts), Nakina’s Treasures (cookies), Happy Belly Eatery (bowls and sandwiches), 2K’z Kitchen 808 (assorted plates), Local Poke Bowl, Boom Kananz (Hawaiian and Filipino grinds), JJ’z HI Fusion Street Treatz (candies and snacks), Teaspresso Bar (boba drinks)
Made by temple volunteers: Mochi, shave ice, taiyaki, baked goods, country store
Additional on Saturday only: Da Andagi Guy
June 28 & 29: Honpa Hongwanji Hawai‘i Betsuin
Where: 1727 Pali Highway
Time: Friday and Saturday: 6 p.m. short service, taiko, dance from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Contact: (808) 536-7044, hawaiibetsuin.org, @hawaiibetsuin
Parking: Temple parking lot opens at 4:30 with limited parking, enter from Lusitana Street; also Hongwanji Mission School and Kawānanakoa Middle School
Grinds: Friday and Saturday: Barbecue plate with barbecue beef, mac salad, rice, takuan; teri burgers, KC waffle dogs, cup saimin, chili bowls, edamame, shave ice, drinks
Additional on Saturday night: Fried noodles, andagi
