Join Hawi Jodo Mission for its 2018 obon festival! The obon tradition was brought to Hawaii by Japanese immigrants. Throughout the years it has evolved into a social and cultural event, as well as a religious custom designed to honor our ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merry-making.

Due to the request of immigrants who worked on the sugar plantation in 1905, Rev. Yukei Kimura taught the Japanese language and Buddhism to the children of Hawi. Though the original temple building was constructed in 1900, Rev. Ohzen Suzuki built the classrooms in 1906. The building completion ceremony was held in conjunction with the arrival of the statue of Amida Buddha on November 27, 1909. Early in World War II, the Japanese building was confiscated. The building was then used as the American Legion Hall until it was returned to the Mission in 1981.

Saturday, 8/4 - 6:00 p.m.; service: 5:30 p.m.

Learn more about Hawi Jodo Mission

Phone: (808) 889-5456