Lahaina Obon Festival to lift spirits and honor ancestors on Aug. 9

The Lahaina O-Bon Festival will be held on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at Lahaina Jodo Mission (next to Māla Wharf). The evening will begin with live entertainment at 5 p.m., followed by Bon dancing starting at 7 p.m. This cherished event is a collaboration between three historic Lahaina Buddhist temples — Lahaina Jodo Mission, Lahaina Hongwanji, and Lahaina Shingon Mission — all of which were lost in the August 2023 fire.

Originally scheduled to be held at Lahaina Cannery Mall, the festival returns this year to the temple grounds at Lahaina Jodo Mission. This move was made possible through the collective effort and generous support of the community, who came together to prepare the site and ensure it could safely welcome guests.

In addition to Bon dancing, the event will feature Lahaina-based food and craft vendors, offering local flavors and handmade goods. Keiki games and activities, organized by student clubs from Lahainaluna High School, will serve as fundraisers for youth programs and leadership opportunities. Hands-on cultural craft activities will be hosted by Hui Noʻeau Visual Arts Center, the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi, and the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui.

Attendees are kindly asked to drive with care and patience when entering the area. Please follow the guidance of parking directional volunteers and posted signage to help ensure the safety of all guests, neighbors, and volunteers.

The evening’s entertainment will include performances by Zenshin Taiko, Maui Taiko, Torao Hikariyama, and additional local artists. Ministers from the three temples will offer prayers to lost loved ones and ancestors. Bon Dancing is a beloved tradition observed throughout Hawaii, and in towns across Japan, honoring the spirits of ancestors through music, dance, and community gathering. In the wake of shared loss, this year’s event stands as a powerful symbol of healing and connection – a joyful space for residents, families, and friends to come together under the stars, reconnect through tradition, and celebrate the enduring spirit of Lahaina. All are welcome.

For more information visit kuhiniamaui.org.

The Japanese Buddhist tradition of Obon, which is held at various temples throughout Maui County, is a community celebration to honor and offer prayers to the spirits of ancestors through music and dance. This year’s Obon dance schedule is dedicated to memory of ancestors and those lost to the 2023 wildfires.

*Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect a revision in the event date.