Throughout the Month of July:
Obon Dance & Festival.  The Obon tradition was brought to Hawai`i by Japanese immigrants and evolved into a social and cultural event, as well as a religious custom designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merry-making.  Free.  Festivities and Dance schedules and locations are listed below (subject to change):

• Saturday, July 1:  Kohala Hongwanji, 53-4033 Akoni Pule Hwy., Kohala.  Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 775-7232.
• Saturday, July 1:  Puna Honwanji, 16-492 Old Volcano Rd., Puna.  Service 6 p.m., Dance 7:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 966-9981.
• Saturday, July 8:  Hilo Meisho-in, 97 Olona St., Hilo. Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call
• (808) 935-6996.
• Saturday, July 8:  Kohala Jodo Mission, 54-541 Kapa`au Rd., Kohala.  Service 5 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 775-0965.
• Saturday, July 8:  Pa`au`ilo Hongwanji, 43-1477 Hauola Rd., Pa`au`ilo.  Service 6:30 p.m., Dance 7:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 776-1369.
• Saturday, July 8:  Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission, 79-7241 Maamlahoa Hwy, Kealakekua.  Service 6:30 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 322-3524.
• Friday & Saturday, July 14 & 15:  Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin, 398 Kilauea Ave., Hilo.  Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 961-6677.
• Saturday, July 15:  Honoka`a Hongwanji, 45-516 Lehua St., Honoka`a.  Service 5:30 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 775-7232.
• Saturday, July 15: Ke`ei Buddhist Church (Kona Hongwanji), 83-5569 Middle Ke`ei Rd. Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 323-2993
• Saturday, July 22: Hilo Hooganji Mission, 7457 Manono St., Hilo.  Service 6 p.m., Dance 7:30 p.m.  For information call (808) 935-8331.
• Saturday, July 22:  Kona Hongwanji, 81-6630 Mamalahoa Hwy. Lantern parade 6:30 p.m., Dance 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 323-2993.
• Saturday, July 22:  Papa`aloa Hongwanji, 35-2026 Old Mamalahoa Hwy., Papa`aloa.  Service 5 p.m., Dance 6 p.m.  For information call (808) 962-6340.
• Friday, July 28: Hilo Dajingu, 10 Anela St., Hilo.  Service 5 p.m., Dance 6 p.m. For information call (808) 959-8611.
• Saturday, July 29: Hilo Taishoji Soto Mission, 275 Kino`ole St., Hilo.  Service 7 p.m., Dance 7:30 p.m.  For information  call (808) 935-8407.

Nightly:
Sunset Stories.  From Queen Emma to Don Ho, experience the stories of an icon. Gather at the International Market Place on Kalakaua Avenue just after sundown for the ceremonial lighting of the Lamaku Torch Tower. Then be immersed in an unforgettable storytelling performance told through Hawaiian and Polynesian song and dance. Honoring the beloved Queen Emma, the nightly show highlights the stories, traditions and culture of this special gathering place. International Market Place, 2330 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu.  Sunset. Free admission. For information visit http://www.shopinternationalmarketplace.com/events.

Sunday, July 2: 
Maui Taiko 20^th Anniversary Concert.  Twenty years ago, Maui Taiko was formed by the descendants of Japanese immigrants in the hopes of perpetuating a centuries-old drumming tradition. Now blossomed into a performance troupe that entertains thousands of residents and visitors on Maui annually, the group invites you to celebrate with them and their friends: Uneme Daiko (Koriyama, Japan), Marco Leinhard –Taikoza (New York), Nakayama & Maui Minyo Kai (Maui), and nationally acclaimed, San Jose Taiko.  Maui Arts & Cultural Center, Castle Theater, One Cameron Way, Kahului. 2 p.m.  Tickets $20.  For tickets and information call (808) 633-7469 or visit http://mauiarts.org/.

Throughout the Month of July: 
Obon Dance & Festival.  The Obon tradition was brought to Hawai`i by Japanese immigrants and evolved into a social and cultural event, as well as a religious custom designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merry-making.  Free.  Festivities and Dance schedules and locations are listed below (subject to change):

• Friday & Saturday, June 30 & July 1: Moili`ili Hongwanji, 1100 University Ave., Honolulu, 6 p.m., Saturday 5 p.m. For information call (808) 949-1659.
• Saturday, July 1: Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji, 45-520 Keaahala Rd, Kaneohe, 6 p.m.  For information call (808) 247-2661.
• Friday & Saturday, July 7 & 8: Rissho Kosei-kai Hawai`i Kyokai, 2280 Auhuhu St, Pearl City, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 455-3212.
• Friday & Saturday, July 7 & 8: Shinshu Kyokai Mission, 1631 South Beretania St., Honolulu, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 973-0150.
• Friday & Saturday, July 7 & 8: Haleiwa Shingon Mission, 66-469 Pa`ala`a Rd, Haleiwa, 7:30 p.m.. For information call (808) 637-4423.
• Friday & Saturday, July 7 & 8:  Koboji Shingon Mission, 1223 B N. School St., Honolulu.  7 p.m. For information call (808) 841-7033.
• Saturday, July 8: Waipahu Hongwanji, 94-821 Kuhaulua St, Waipahu, 7 p.m. For information call (808) 677-4221.
• Friday & Saturday, July 14 & 15:  Jikoen Hongwanji Mission, 1731 N. School St., Honolulu.  6 p.m.  For information call (808) 845-3422
• Friday & Saturday, July 14 & 15:  Haleiwa Jodo Mission.  66-279A Haleiwa Rd., Haleiwa, 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 637-4382.
• Friday & Saturday, July 14 & 15: Higashi Hongwanji Hawai`i Betsuin, 1685 Alaneo St., Honolulu 7 p.m. For information call (808) 531-9088.
• Friday & Saturday, July 21 & 22: Wahiawa Ryusenji Soto Mission, 164 California Ave., Wahiawa. 7 p.m. For information call (808) 622-1429.
• Saturday, July 22:  Kailua Hongwanji Mission, 268-A Ku`ulei Rd., Kailua. 7 p.m.  For information call (808) 262-4560
• Saturday, July 22: Waianae Hongwanji, 85-762 Old Government Road, Waianae. 7 p.m. For information call (808) 677-4221.
• Friday & Saturday, July 28 & 29: Palolo Higashi Hongwanji, 1641 Palolo Ave., Kaminaka Dr., Honolulu, 6:30 p.m.

June 27 – July 25:
Hawai`i Performing Arts Festival.  Enjoy events throughout the Big Island celebrating Hawai`i’s performing arts.  For information and schedule of events, visit http://www.hawaiiperformingartsfestival.org/.