The Palisades Bon dance/festival is one of my favorites. I come every year for the great food and…read moregreat entertainment. Food: first, you'll need to buy scrip for the food. I think it's gotten a little more expensive over the years I've been coming, but that's ok because it's still worth it. My absolute favorite here is the oden. You can choose different pieces, like gobo fishcake, vegetable fishcake, tofu stuffed with mochi, daikon, egg, other fishcakes lol. I always get the mixed oden because literally every piece is delicious. They're all my favorite and the broth is delicious. I also really like the grilled corn with the butter and shoyu, the grilled mochi with shoyu and kinako and the shave ice. The shave ice is amazing. It's not as soft as waiolas, but in a good way. They also have fried noodles, andagi, musubi and yakitori, but I'm always too full to get anything else. The entertainment is provided by the young okinawans of Hawaii. These people are volunteers. They drum, whistle and lead the dances for a good 2 hours. They have a Shishimai (like a Chinese lion) dance, but don't give them money lol. This isn't a Chinese restaurant. Of course these people need breaks, and when they're on their break, yes, the electric slide is played. Big deal.

While this review mainly focuses on the bon dance event, I feel that how a temple runs their event…read moreis a direct reflection on the temple itself, the minister and the congregation. [HANDICAP PARKING] I like that Rissho's handicap parking is close by that I can sit in the car with the engine on so that I have a/c but it's far enough away I'm not bothering any body. [FOOD] Big plus that the food booths open early because considering how hot it is it's good to be able to get something cold to drink to stay hydrated. My favorite is the ODEN which I get every year!! To me when a temple takes the time to consider people that are either disabled or handicap it shows their compassion which is very important to Buddhist especially during Obon.

Let's celebrate and dance cause it's Bon Festival time!!!…read more Not that I can recall I've never been to Honpa Hongwanji Bon Festival and realized that I long long missed it last year *sob* I have a fellow bestie who loves going to Bon Dance and this one is her particular favorite so I made sure early to find the dates and make sure we don't miss out this year. She wasn't worried she says about parking and since I was working to take my time which I had doubts and I was so right, I'm sure not having it for a few years has brought back the excitement to have this festive gathering which brings more meaning than just what it seems. Typically a Japanese Buddhist festival to honor and remember our loved ones who passed and it was so lovingly done in the main temple to offer a prayer and write a note to hang was just comforting and healing, majority of the people were dressed either in a kimono or happi coat with was a stunning view. I do have a few family members here at Honpa Hongwanji and have gone to some events here as well and what massive masterpiece of a temple and as large as the property everything here was just scattered and wished there was a map of events so we know what was going on as getting around isn't as easy between grassy area and some uneven surfaces. As we made our way back to our chairs of course I had to shop at the tent and of course the bag collaboration with by Eden in Love was too hard to pass along with the cooler bag it was a great find going to a wonderful cause. Through with my urging we then head for the food before it gets insane and eventually it really did...with items like fried noodles, soy beans, bbq plate and even shaved ice I decided to start with the fried noodles and bbq plate for my bestie. It's definitely festival size and it was good just not enough...as we sat and enjoy the festivities we were contemplating our next move. The weather had done us in sadly as we saw nothing but grey skies and it constantly rained and we were so underwhelmed with the food situation and super insanely long line that we just got discouraged with everyone trying to find a place to sit and no set path for people to get around it was a slight hot mess. To start things was the taiko drums and I'm sure for the respect of the temple the drummers were facing the temple while everyone was behind them we it was nice hear them of course but I'm not walking all the way around for a pic so sorry there's none lol! It kept raining so we left as we had quite a cardio hike to get back to our car. Thank you!

Great bon dance with a nice mix of live and recorded music. Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai, Honolulu…read moreFukushima and Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai provided live music this year. Favorite (Past) Eats: * Pickled Mountain Apple * Deluxe Spam Musubi Cons: * No tsukemono (pickled vegetables) this year * No deluxe spam musubi this year * The chili didn't really have flavor

While this review may mainly focus on the bon dance event to me how a temple runs their event is a…read moredirect reflection of themselves. [HANDICAP] There is handicap parking available on a first come, first serve basis. So do come early or be prepared to be dropped off. [PARKING] Other lots available nearby, suggest calling the temple the week leading up to the Bon Dance to ask where parking is available.

I am a member of the community this temple is at. I used to feel more welcomed here, but recently…read morethey made it clear the neighbors aren't welcome.

While this review may mainly focus on the bon dance event to me how a temple runs their event is a…read moredirect reflection of themselves. [HANDICAP] Know that there is no handicap parking at this bon dance so plan accordingly. [PARKING] There is street parking. DO NOT PARK AT THE POST OFFICE they will tow you, there was at least one car towed this year during the bon dance.

I don't know a lot about Buddhism or temples in general, but I must say, I'm quite impressed with…read morethe Aiea Soto Mission. My husband's family is pretty involved with the church (mostly his parents), and so I have attended a handful of ceremonies, bon dances, etc. The Reverend is young and is a good speaker. I have no idea what he says when he chants in Japanese, but when he speaks in English, he talks about things that I can relate to. He's very approachable and you just feel a sense of peace when you speak with him. Their bon dance is held every August. I look forward to it every year. They sell homemade goodies such as mochi, beef jerky, loaf cakes, spam musubis, trail mix, etc. They also sell chili plates, fried noodles, and ANDAGI. The best part is that you can dance it all off!

Shinnyo-En is responsible for the very popular Lantern Floating that takes place at Ala Moana Beach…read morePark. Shinnyo-En and its members, are dedicated in making this event a success. Preparation starts months prior to, they are so organized and insist on handling each step with the utmost care and order. For the volunteers, it is mandatory to watch an orientation video, which will even include instructions on how to wash your hands before helping. It's so amazing that they manage to assemble thousands of lanterns, while working in a small space. Lanterns are neatly packed away and prayer requests are handled with so much respect and manner. Your religious belief is not a concern, they welcome everyone to participate and come together for the remembrance of a special someone. A truly touching time of the year... Lantern Floating Hawaii, is where thousands gather (50,000 in 2017) for the same reason on Memorial Day, all possible thanks to Shinnyo-En, and it's members.

I have been a member of Shinnyo-en for over 15 years. I wasn't religious before becoming connected…read more(besides attending Buddhist funeral services and going to obon dances for surface level reasons). I enjoy this temple because they are very accepting of everyone, no matter what, due to the belief that everyone has Buddha-nature and the potential to grow inside of them. I never ever feel judged or worried. Everyone is so welcoming, whether you're a regular or a new face. I also appreciate that they are completely fine with me exploring other religions and freely accept people following (previously or currently) other religions. In fact, the head of our temple also attends services and blesses sites of other religions around the world. If I want to attend my friend's Christian services, I never feel like I am doing something wrong or should be ashamed. Some things to note if you are a new-comer: -There are numerous parking lots and street parking for you to use for free (see photo). There are usually attendants outside of the lots to welcome/guide you and if the lots are full, they usually have a sign out marking that. We usually try to park at one of the farther lots so that the elderly, those with young children, and those that are running late can have an easier time getting to temple. -We take off our shoes and wear socks inside the main building. There are lockers and shoe racks for you to use. If you forget socks, you can borrow a pair from the front desk. The front desk can also lend you a chanting book (English or Japanese), an okesa (you wear it around your neck), and if you let them know you are new, they can have someone guide you/explain things to you if you'd like. -There are usually rooms that play videos of the service in Japanese and rooms that play the videos in English. There are headsets to borrow too (they have dubs in the opposite language of the video and also in the same language if you just want to hear it louder). -There is a room that younger children and their parents usually go to (though it's not required) and there's also a separate building for babies and their parents (again, not required). -If you are in a wheelchair or prefer being in an open air room, you can view the service from a room next to the patio area. -There are refreshments for donation in the patio area (cup noodles, juices, sodas, etc.) It's common for people to hang out and socialize in the patio area and under the mango tree after service (: -There's also a training center in Pearl City if you don't want to drive all the way to town. Be sure to check the schedule though, as I think there are different services from the main temple. -If you are a new comer, any service is great but I highly recommend setsubun (good luck bean throwing) service in February--it's so much fun!

This review is for their annual bazaar only. This is the church's big fundraiser of the year. If…read moreyou love to 'dig' for possible used good finds, this is a great trove of possible treasures. Lots little used knickknacks, clothing, home goods that range from $1 and up. You will need to purchase scripts. They also have a new goods section with crochet blankets, futons and summer lap blankets sewn by their ladies in their congregation, bone shaped pillows and other cushions, and more. On the outside lawn there are food booths that feature yummy specials such as oden, sushi, baked goods, stamina ramen, yaki soba, Takoyaki, andagi, shaved ice and more. We cannot forget the fresh mochi and their mochi pounding demonstration. We cannot pass up the fresh produce stand. Although there's a limited selection, the prices are always great. There's a game area for the kids and church members provide musical stage entertainment. It is a fun, lively atmosphere with something for everyone. I strongly recommend that you get there early to enjoy the best select of food and goods. They sell-out of food so if you get there late, you might miss out. If you try to park in the area adjacent to the fair, it's a bit crazy. However, the church ranges a satellite area for parking at a nearby school. The wonderful thing about it is there's lots of parking there and they offer free shuttle service. It's super convenient. But one thing I can say for sure is my friend and I will be back for more digging and eating at their next bazaar.

I love this wholesome event. A lot of people love the chicken. I love the bone pillows of various…read moresizes. My all time favorite food is their sushi! Takoyaki and Andagi is decent too!

This is a review of the food at their bon dance that they host every year. The Chicken Hekka,…read moreHamburger Curry, and Chili is from the "backdoor kitchen", just look for the line lining up at the door to the kitchen. I stood in line about an hour before it was open and there were already people there before me. The CHICKEN HEKKA sold out about an hour after they opened and this was on Friday when it's usually less crowded. The Fried Noodles and Nachos are two of our favorite items to get from the food booth in the front of the temple. I always check to see if Dwight is there making the FRIED NOODLES and if he is then it's a must have item for me.

This is a review for the Bon Dance on Friday & Saturday, August 11 & 12…read more FOOD: Really good tsukemono (pickled vegetables) with a wide selection, plus a lot of baked goods at a really cheap price. NOW the reason for the minus of two stars is how they handle the sales. People start to line up at the front door very early since they run out quickly since they don't have a limit (except for the pickled peaches which was limited to one) so sometimes you see people walking out with 3 of the same item. This year I was the first in line and even with them limiting it to 20 people at a time being let in when the opened the doors still had people bumrush around me to get to the items. I am writing this in hopes that they have a better solution to control the crowd since they should know by now just how crazy it can get. PARKING: The GOOD is you can drop of handicap and disabled people in front of the temple and go to the lot and park. The BAD is that the lot doesn't open til 4:30pm and fills up fast but there are a decent amount of handicap spots. If you are handicap I would suggest just parking in the lot and taking your time walking to the temple.

This is only the 2nd time I've ever attended an Obon Festival in all my years alive, and both have…read morebeen this year (2019). Im not going to compare the two because they were both completely different and two totally unique experiences. I have always been interested in attending these, but never got around to it. Im glad I finally did! If you have never been, I highly recommend checking it the Obon Festival which happens every summer. I decided to go this year, because my son was born a few months ago, and what better time than now to start making our own little family traditions. Between my husband and I, wer have created a son with son with so many unique ethnicities and we live in Hawaii, where we are able to celebrate them all. I want to teach my son all about his heritage and all the ethnicities that had to come together to create him. Also, coming here tonight mad me think of my Grandma. She used to live at the Pearl City Nursing Home and the would always take the residents there to enjoy the festivities. It was wonderful seeing so many people there. One of my goals is to learn the moves of at least one dance, and give it a try. And check or the food, there's a pretty decent variety at fair prices. This was a perfect little family outing.