2026 Shingon Mission Bon Dance
JULY 2026
To give back to the community that supports us through thick and thin, Team 359 volunteered at the Shingon Mission Bon Dance on the 10th and 11th of July.
LOAD IN
Located in the neighboring town of Haleiwa, the Shingon Mission Bon Dance is a familiar event for many of our students, who have volunteered there in the past years. By splitting up responsibilities like food prep, sign-posting, parking, and seating, the students ensured the two-day event ran seamlessly for hundreds of attendees.
REFLECTION
At the Shingon Mission bon dance, our teammates helped serve local favorites like teri burgers, saimin, spam musubi, and more, as well as new items like teri beef bowls. Even if you chose not to dance, many people came to the Shingon Mission for good eats! To top the night off, we also served shave ice, a popular frozen dessert topped off with ice cream and/or condensed milk. The concession stand was a hit, and it remained busy throughout the night. To keep everyone energized throughout the night, we handed out drinks to refresh the volunteers at the event, ensuring they stayed hydrated while they worked hard. Captivating dancers and thunderous taiko drummers entertained attendees as they ate, filling the air with joy and excitement. With open invitations to dance and celebrate, the event highlighted how coming together creates unforgettable memories and a warm, inclusive community.
BON ODORI
Bon Odori, or Bon Dance, originated in Japan 600 years ago and was later brought to Hawaii by Japanese Buddhist monks. During the festival, people dance around a Yagura to celebrate and honor the spirits of deceased loved ones or ancestors. It has now been about 141 years since the first recorded Bon Dance was held in Hawaii at a sugar cane plantation in Wainaku. We hope this part of culture stays alive for many years to come!
FOOD FUN
This marks our third year in a row volunteering at the Haleiwa Shingon Mission Bon dance, and we are proud to have brought the North Shore together once again! It was heartwarming for our students to see so many familiar faces of friends and family enjoying themselves at a culturally enriching event, strengthening our ties as a community. Hawaii’s summer Obon season keeps a cherished Buddhist tradition alive, blending memorial services with vibrant festivals. It gives families a meaningful space to remember loved ones while embracing life together. Beyond its roots, the Bon dance has grown into an island-wide cultural favorite that people eagerly anticipate all year long. By volunteering, Team 359 is upholding culture for many years to come.
Check out our other service events!