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.

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.

I always enjoy my visits here. A quiet and peaceful oasis in the valley with warm and welcoming…read morecommunity. The people here are always very nice and helpful with the practices. They have 2 resident lamas, Lama Rinchen who I've met a few times is a very nice man who was born in Tibet (very surprising considering Tibet's history). He was kind enough to share some stories of his life and motivation for becoming a monk (which was very much appreciated as it was late). I've only met Lama Tempa Gyeltshen once though my impressions are him being very nice as well with a very beautiful voice. I'm not an expert or well practiced in chanting by any means, however, if you join them, I recommend listening to his voice. The tone, melody and subtleties of the sounds are really enjoyable and make changing along easier! If you are able to donate, I recommend doing so! They are such a gem. While covid is happening they are conducting their programs online. I look forward to practicing in person with them when it is safe again!

We visited this temple and was fortunately invited in and had a chance to talk to the Lama. I…read moreforgot his name, but he is here visiting from France. He was very friendly, kind and welcoming us like special guests. We were offered a delicious tea by a young lady who was very sweet. This temple is very nice, peaceful. We will definitely visit here again the next time we are on the island.

Been visiting Liliha Shingon Mission for more than three decades for New Year's blessing. It's an…read moreolder church, but is still in great condition for its age. The people who work here are very kind - particularly Rev Kawanishi and Rev Higa. I highly recommend this place for other patrons.

Reverend Higa at Liliha Shingon Mission was of great assistance to my Japanese (from Japan, not…read morelocal) mother-in-law when her husband passed last summer. Reverend Higa explained the difference to her between US and Japanese practice even though the temple was Japanese. In Japan after cremation, some of the remaining bone fragments are kept and have religious significance. Since that is not possible here, having a Japanese speaking local helped my mother-in-law understand why the cultural practices had to be adjusted. Aside from Reverend Higa, the temple itself is ornate on the inside. It was a relaxing environment to honor my father-in-law.

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

Sorry Haleiwa Jodo but it is what it is. Let me start by saying that this review of their bon dance…read moreon Friday, June 15, 2018. This is not to be mean or spiteful but to give a heads up to handicap people like me so that they can plan ahead. The other part is so that the people behind the event are aware of it. [HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY] Be aware there is no handicap parking. There is no designated handicap drop off or pick up area. Even if you are dropped off at the top of the lane be prepared for a walk in handicap or disabled terms. Also know that the restrooms are not ADA and quite narrow. [FOOD] It seemed very unorganized this year. When asked when the food booth would open was told when the food comes out. So I stood there and people started to line up after me. Another gentleman later asked if the maki sushi and cone sushi was ready, he was told yes but they are waiting for the services to end (this was around 6:45pm and the bon dance started at 7:00pm). It wasn't til after this that they started to light the grills, it was even a longer wait for them to cook the food. I know a lady behind me was saying how come the hotdogs weren't at least ready. So I ended up buying my sushi, asking if I could move over and wait so that when the burger and hot dog came out (people made a 2nd line behind me) I didn't have to wait in the back of the line again (this has happened at other bon dances), got my hot dog and burger but gave up on the saimin because it wasn't ready. Someone joked that it seemed like have to wait 3 times in line to get food. Other than that the burger was good. [TO YELP] While this review may mainly focus on the bon dance event to me how a temple runs their event is a direct reflection of themselves.

There are many many o-bon events and bon dances throughout the island of Oahu. My last count was…read more34, yes, 34 of them! O-bon events and bon dances are usually from late June until early September. To my knowledge, there are only two sites that host the lantern floating festival. Magic Island and Haliewa Jodo Mission. The lantern floating event at Haliewa Jodo Mission is usually the last Saturday of July and usually after the last bon dance around 9 PM. Check local listing for annual changes in date and time. The music stops and you'll hear the priest chiming their bells and walking toward the shorelines. A larger red lantern starts the event and eventually everyone slowly place their lanterns in the water with their loved ones names written on the lantern. Year after year there has been a nice cool breeze that helps push the lanterns out to sea. You'll notice the current will take the lanterns to the left and then slowly disappears. It's a beautiful event, the food is alright with not many choices and shaved ice is usually only one flavor, straweberry. A large amount of politicians comes out to wins some votes. Abercrombie was out and about this year. The energy of the bon dancers are incredible, even when they have the non-traditional electric slide dance. Parking is tough, get there early or park near the harbor

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!

Went to Haleiwa Shingon Mission to pick up some omamori. When we enter we were direct to burn…read moreincense. Akiyama sensei blessed us with his prayer beads. We pick up Our omamori and head out they followed us out said goodbye stood there and waved to us. That was great!!!

This a review for the bon dance on Friday, July 15, 2011…read more EDIT: Okay, these past couple of days I have been snacking on the pickled onions and the taste only gets better. So I thought I needed to come back and add an extra star. This alone I would drive all the way back here for. Parking wise. (4/5) Get choke parking in the lot next door to the temple. Just come early like any other bon dance before it starts to make sure your able to find a spot. Just know that they do double park cars so plan to stay a while atleast. Food wise. (5/5) Okay the first thing I noticed was the pickled onions and the pickled cucumbers being sold for $1.50 to $2.00. Okay to say it was good was an understatement and I could go on and on. But I will talk about the pickled onions. It cost $1.50!! $1.50!! It was pickled just right, not to vinegary, not to sweet, but just right. There was just the right amount of chili peppers to give it a nice kick. They only had 2 for sale when I got to the booth so it does go fast. Other then that had the usual fair of hotdogs, hamburgers, saimin, etc. Music wise. (2/5) A lot of recorded music, especially very very old recorded music. Personally I prefer live music and the only live music I hearded was by provided by Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi. Overall it is a nice quaint country bon dance. The food was awesome especially the pickled onions and cucumbers.