The summer Obon season perpetuates the Buddhist tradition of honoring family ancestors, who are said to return to the mortal world to visit relatives during this Festival of Lanterns. With food booths, taiko drummers and other colorful sights and sounds, bon dances have become a cultural touchstone for all in Hawaii.

Oahu

“Super Hero Bon Dance”:
10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Hawaii State Library, Great Lawn, 478 S. King St. The Summer Reading Program’s kickoff event follows from noon to 2 p.m. with taiko drumming and children’s dance performances, a magic show, costumed characters and law-enforcement superheroes. Come dressed in kimono, happi coat or superhero costume. Call 586-3500.

Hawaii’s Plantation Village:
5:30 p.m. Saturday, 94-695 Waipahu St.; Buddhist Sangwa ceremony begins 4 p.m. and food booths open 5 p.m. Call 677-0110.

Haleiwa Jodo Mission:
8 to 10 p.m. June 19, and 8 to 11 p.m. June 20, 66-279A Haleiwa Road. Call 637-4382.

Ewa Hongwanji:
7 to 10 p.m. June 20, 91-1133 Renton Road; service at 6 p.m. Call 677-4221.

Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin:
6:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 26-27, 1727 Pali Highway; taiko performances at 6 p.m. and services at 6:15 p.m. Call 536-7044 or visit hawaiibetsuin.org.

Wahiawa Hongwanji:
7 p.m. June 26-27, 1067 California Ave.; kicks off with a children’s lantern parade both nights. Call 622-4320 or email office@wahiawahongwanji.org.

Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji:
6:45 to 10 p.m. July 3, 45-520 Keaahala Road; food booths open 5:30 p.m. and service begins 6 p.m. Email kaneohe@hhbt-hi.org.

Moiliili Hongwanji Mission:
"Honolulu’s Largest Bon Dance," 6:30 p.m. July 3, 1100 University Ave. (old Varsity Theatre parking lot), to be held in conjunction with Moiliili Summer Fest events from 5 to 10:30 p.m. with food, retail booths and live entertainment. Also, the church-sponsored "World’s Biggest 4th of July Bon Dance" will be held 6 p.m. July 4 at the same location; food booths open 5 p.m. Call 949-1659 or email MHM@moiliilihongwanji.org.

Rissho Kosei-kai Buddhist Church of Hawaii:
6:30 to 9:30 p.m. July 10-11, 2280 Auhuhu St., Pearl City; food booths open 6 p.m. Call 455-3212 or visit rkhawaii.org.

Koboji Shingon Mission:
7 to 10:30 p.m. July 10-11, 1223-B N. School St.; services at 6:30 p.m. July 10 and 4 p.m. July 11. Call 841-7033.

Shinshu Kyokai Mission:
7 to 10:30 p.m. July 10-11, 1631 S. Beretania St.; services at 6:30 p.m. Call 973-0150 or email skm@shinshukyokai.org.

Waipahu Hongwanji:
7 p.m. July 10-11, 94-821 Kuhaulua St. Call 677-4221.

Haleiwa Shingon Mission:
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 10-11, 66-469 Paalaa Road; services at 6 p.m. Call 637-4423.

Jikoen Hongwanji Mission:
6 p.m. July 17 and 5:30 p.m. July 18, 1731 N. School St.; food booths open 5 p.m. Parking available at Kapalama Elementary School. Call 845-3422.

Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission:
7:30 p.m. July 17-18, 164 California Ave.; taiko performances at 7 and 8:30 p.m. both nights and Okinawan dancing at 9 p.m. July 18 only. Call 622-1429.

Waianae Hongwanji:
6:30 p.m. July 18, 85-762 Old Government Road. Call 677-4221.

Higashi Hongwanji Betsuin:
7 p.m. July 24-25, 1685 Alaneo St.; services at 6:30 p.m. Call 531-9088.

Kailua Hongwanji Mission:
7 p.m. July 25, 268-A Kuulei Road. Call 262-4560.

Waipahu Soto Zen Temple Taiyoji:
7 p.m. July 31-Aug. 1, 94-413 Waipahu St. Call 671-3103.

Palolo Hongwanji:
7:30 p.m. July 31-Aug. 1, 1641 Palolo Ave.; services at 7 p.m. Call 732-1491.

Waialua Hongwanji:
7 p.m. Aug. 1, 67-313 Kealohanui St.; service at 6 p.m. Call 637-4395.

Koganji Temple:
5:30 to 10 p.m. Aug. 7-8, 2869 Oahu Ave., Manoa. Food booths and Country Store open 5:30 p.m., with taiko performances 8:30 p.m.; children’s lantern parade 5:30 p.m. Aug. 7 only. Call 988-4905.

Shingon Shu Hawaii:
6:30 to 10 p.m. Aug. 7-8, 915 Sheridan St., with Japanese craft fair and keiki activities. Call 941-5663.

Pearl City Hongwanji Mission:
7 p.m. Aug. 7-8, 858 2nd St.; service at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 8 only. Call 455-1680.

Soto Mission of Aiea:
7 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 7-8, 99-045 Kauhale St.; taiko performances begin 6:30 p.m. Okinawan bon dancing from 9 to 9:45 p.m. Aug. 8 only. Call 488-6794.

Jodo Mission of Hawaii:
6:30 p.m. Aug. 14-15, 1429 Makiki St. Call 949-3995.

Soto Mission of Hawaii:
7:30 p.m. Aug. 14-15, 1708 Nuuanu Ave.; taiko performance at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 14 and Okinawan dancing at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 15. Call 537-9409.

Valley of the Temples Memorial Park’s 2015 Obon Festival:
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 15, Byodo-in Temple, 47-200 Kahekili Highway. Call 239-8811.

Mililani Hongwanji:
7 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 21-22, 95-257 Kaloapau St.; craft fair begins 5 p.m. and food booths at 6 p.m. both nights, with lantern parade at 6:45 p.m. Aug. 21 only. Call 625-0925 or visit mililanihongwanji.org.

Nichiren Mission of Hawaii:
6 p.m. Aug. 22, 33 Pulelehua Way, Nuuanu; food booths open 5 p.m. with taiko performances, games and more. Parking available at Nuuanu Elementary School, Daijingu Temple and Tenrikyo Mission with free shuttle service from 4:30 to 10 p.m. Call 595-3517.

Kapahulu Center:
6 to 10 p.m. Aug. 22, 3410 Campbell Ave.; food booths open 4 p.m. with keiki games and craft and bake sale. Call 737-1748.

Aiea Hongwanji:
7 p.m. Aug. 29, 99-186 Puakala St.; service at 6 p.m. Call 488-5685.

Hawaii United Okinawa Association:
5:30 p.m. Sept. 5, Kapiolani Park near Waikiki Shell (in conjunction with Okinawan Festival). Also, “Autumn Okinawa Dance Matsuri,” 5 p.m. Sept. 19, Hawaii Okinawa Center, 94-587 Ukee St., Waipio. Call 676-5400.

Hawaii Island

Honomu Henjoji Mission:
7 p.m. June 13, 28-1668 Old Mamalahoa Highway; service at 5 p.m. Call 963-6308.

Papaikou Hongwanji Mission:
7 p.m. June 20, 27-378 Old Mamalahoa Highway; service at 6 p.m. Call 964-1640.

Honomu Hongwanji Mission:
7 p.m. June 27, 28-1658 Old Mamalahoa Highway; service at 6 p.m. Call 963-6032.

Puna Hongwanji Mission:
7 p.m. July 3-4, 16-592 Old Volcano Road, Keaau; services at 6 p.m. Call 966-9981.

Kohala Hongwanji Mission:
7 p.m. July 4, 55-4300 Akoni Pule Place, Kapaau; service at 6 p.m. Call 775-7232.

Kohala Jodo Mission:
6:30 p.m. July 11, 54-541 Kapaau Road. Call 775-0965.

Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission:
7 p.m. July 11, 79-7241 Mamalahoa Highway. Call 322-3524.

Paauilo Hongwanji Mission:
7 p.m. July 11, 43-1477 Hauola Road; service at 6 p.m. Call 776-1369.

Hilo Meishoin:
8 p.m. July 11, 97 Olona St. Call 935-6996.

Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin:
7 p.m. July 17-18, 398 Kilauea Ave.; services at 6 p.m. Call 961-6677.

Honokaa Hongwanji Mission:
7 p.m. July 18, 45-516 Lehua St.; service at 6 p.m. Call 775-7232.

Kona Hongwanji Mission:
6:30 p.m. July 25, 81-6630 Mamalahoa Highway. Call 323-2993.

Hilo Hooganji Mission:
7:30 p.m. July 25, 457 Manono St.; service at 6 p.m. Call 935-8331.

Papaaloa Hongwanji Mission:
7 p.m. July 27, 35-2026 Old Mamalahoa Highway; service at 6 p.m. Call 962-6340.

Hawi Jodo Mission:
6:30 p.m. Aug. 1, 55-1104 Akoni Pule Highway. Call 775-0965.

Paauilo Kongoji Mission:
7 p.m. Aug. 1, 43-1461 Hauola Road; service at 5 p.m. Call 963-6308.

Taishoji Soto Mission:
7:15 to 11 p.m. Aug. 1, 275 Kinoole St., Hilo; taiko performance at 9 p.m. Call 935-8407.

Kurtistown Jodo Mission:
8 p.m. Aug. 1. Call 935-6996 or 936-7828.

Hamakua Jodo Mission:
6:30 p.m. Aug. 8 in Honokaa. Call 775-0965.

Hilo Higashi Hongwanji Mission:
7 p.m. Aug. 8, 216 Mohouli St.; service at 6 p.m. Call 935-8968.

Kona Koyasan Daishiji Mission:
7 p.m. Aug. 8, 76-5945 Mamalahoa Highway, Holualoa; service at 5 p.m. Call 324-1741.

Life Care Center of Hilo:
6 p.m. Aug. 14, 944 W. Kawailani St. Call 959-9151.

Kamuela Hongwanji Mission:
7:30 p.m. Aug. 15, 65-1110 Mamalahoa Highway; service at 6:30 p.m. Call 885-4481.

Hakalau Jodo Mission:
8 p.m. Aug. 15, 29-2271 Old Mamalahoa Highway. Call 935-6996 or 936-7828.

Honohina Hongwanji Mission:
7 p.m. Aug. 29 in Ninole; service at 6 p.m. Call 963-6032.

Kauai

Waimea Shingon Mission:
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 5-6, 3770-A Pule Road, Waimea Valley; services at 6:30 p.m. Call 338-1854.

Kapaa Jodo Mission:
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 12-13, 4524 Hauaala Road. Call 822-4319.

West Kauai Hongwanji, Waimea Temple:
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 19-20, 4675 Menehune Road; service at 6 p.m. June 19 only. Call 338-1537.

Kapaa Hongwanji Mission:
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 26-27, 4-1170 Kuhio Highway; service at 6 p.m. June 26 only. Call 822-4667.

Waimea Higashi Hongwanji:
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 10-11, 9554 Kaumualii Highway; services at 7 p.m. Call 338-1847.

Kauai Soto Zen Temple Zenshuji:
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 17-18, 1-3500 Kaumualii Highway, Hanapepe. Call 245-2841.

Koloa Jodo Mission:
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 24-25, 3480 Waikomo Road. Call 742-6735.

West Kauai Hongwanji, Hanapepe Temple:
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. July 31-Aug. 1, 1-3860 Kamaulii Highway; service at 6 p.m. July 31 only. Call 338-1537.

Lihue Hongwanji Mission:
7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Aug. 7-8, 3-3530 Kuhio Highway. Call 245-6262.

Maui County

Lahaina Shingon Mission:
7:30 p.m. June 6, 682 Luakini St.; service at 6:30 p.m. Call 661-0466.

Puunene Nichiren Mission:
8 p.m. June 13, 9 Ani St.; service at 7 p.m. Call 871-4831.

Wailuku Jodo Mission:
7 p.m. June 19, 67 Central Ave. Call 244-0066.

Wailuku Shingon Mission:
8 p.m. June 20, 1939 North St.; service at 6:30 p.m. Call 244-3800.

Lahaina Jodo Mission:
7 p.m. July 3, 12 Ala Moana St. Call 661-4304.

Mantokuji Soto Mission of Paia:
8 p.m. July 10-11, 253 Hana Highway. Call 579-8051.

Kahului Hongwanji:
7:30 p.m. July 17-18, 291 S. Puunene Ave.; services at 6:30 p.m. Call 871-4732.

Makawao Hongwanji Mission:
7:30 p.m. July 24-25, 1074 Makawao Ave.; services at 6:30 p.m. Call 572-7229.

Wailuku Hongwanji Mission:
8 p.m. July 31-Aug. 1, 1828 Vineyard St.; services at 6:30 p.m. Call 244-0406.

Lahaina Hongwanji Mission:
8 p.m. Aug. 7-8, 551 Wainee St.; services at 6:30 p.m. Call 661-0640.

Kahului Jodo Mission:
7 p.m. Aug. 15, 325 Laau St. Call 244-0066.

Paia Rinzai Zen Mission:
7 p.m. Aug. 22, 120 Alawai Road; service at 6 p.m. Call 579-9921.

Kula Shofukuji Shingon Mission:
7:30 p.m. Aug. 26, 53 Upper Kula Road; service at 6:30 p.m. Call 661-0466.

Lanai Hongwanji Mission:
6:30 p.m. July 11, 1364 Fraser Ave. Call 565-6817.

Guzeiji Soto Mission of Molokai:
6:30 p.m. Aug. 29, 90 Hotel Lane, Kaunakakai; taiko performance at 5:30 p.m. Call 553-5197.

Sources: Hawaii Buddhist Council, Kauai Buddhist Council