MōʻiliIʻili summerfest returns July 4 with Honolulu’s largest bon dance

HONOLULU (HI Now) - Thousands of kamaʻāina and visitors are expected to gather in the heart of historic Mōʻiliʻili as the 13th Annual Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest returns to the Waiānuenue ma Kapaʻakea parking lot (the former Varsity Building parking lot) and Coyne Street on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

This year marks a special homecoming as the festival returns to where it all began, transforming the streets of Mōʻiliʻili into a vibrant gathering place filled with music, dancing, food, shopping, and community connection.

As the sun sets and lanterns glow, thousands will gather in a circle of remembrance and celebration, dancing alongside family, friends, and neighbors in a tradition that has united generations for more than a century. Blending the spirit of

Obon with the energy of a modern street festival, Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest has become one of Hawaiʻi’s most anticipated summer traditions, drawing more than 10,000 attendees each year.

Admission is free and open to the public. Festival attendees can enjoy Honolulu’s largest bon dance, more than 60 local food vendors, artisans and retailers, live entertainment, cultural demonstrations, and activities for all ages.

The celebration begins early with an Andagi Night on Friday, July 3, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy select food vendors, exclusive festival merchandise, and beloved local treats—including fresh Okinawan andagi—while getting a first taste of the weekend festivities. The Friday night gathering offers a fun and flavorful kickoff to the holiday weekend before the main festival takes center stage on Saturday. Free onsite parking and open to the public!

Adding to the weekend festivities, on Friday, July 3 at 5:30 p.m., Ed Sugimoto of VH07V (Aloha Revolution) and Jodi Kamisato — a local musician and owner of ʻUkulele Hale — will create a special rendition of Hawaiʻi’s beloved anthem, “Aloha Friday.” The collaboration celebrates the neighborhood’s vibrant small business community while inviting residents and visitors alike to spend the holiday weekend supporting local shops, restaurants, and vendors throughout Mōʻiliʻili. We encourage attendees to be a part of the video recording!

“There’s nothing quite like seeing thousands of people dancing together beneath the lanterns,” said Ryne Masuda, event coordinator for Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest. “For many families, Summer Fest has become an annual tradition—an opportunity to reconnect with friends, honor loved ones, enjoy incredible local food, and experience the joy of Obon. As we look forward to the opening of Waiānuenue and the return to this recently renewed space, we’re excited to invite everyone to celebrate with us, whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning for your thirteenth year.”

What’s New This Year:

New Layout: A separate dance area, along with rolls of vendors - retail and food vendors for all to enjoy. Food trucks will be located on Coyne Street.

New Vendors: Over 60 local vendors will be featured this year. There will be something for everyone from traditional summer festival foods to one-of-a-kind desserts, along with great retail shopping and informative vendors.

Exclusive Festival Collaborations:

Sumo Fish x Summer Fest limited-edition t-shirts and stickers

Aloha Matcha limited-edition Watermelon Matcha, perfect for a summer festival (Saturday only)

Castaways Ice Cream’s limited-edition Butter Mochi Ice Cream

Entertainment highlights include:

Kaikaliliaalohahawaii Duo

MikAnS (Japanese Shamisen & Taiko combo)

Sakura Saxophone Ensemble

Taiko Center of the Pacific

Traditional Opening Service by Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Mission

Festival Schedule:

Parking Options:

Free parking and complimentary shuttle service at UH Mānoa Lower Campus (4:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.), shuttle stop is near Ching Field by Gate 2. Trolley shuttles provided by TP Transportation.

Limited Premium Event Parking - located mauka of the festival. $25 from 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (including limited handicap parking). No in/out privileges. Enter from University Ave. First come, first serve.

Shinnyo-En Hawaiʻi - South Beretania St. (left side). Available from 3:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Donations are welcomed.

Nearby paid public parking lots.

Mōʻiliʻili Summer Fest is presented by Mōʻiliʻili Festivals, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Planned with support from Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Mission, Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi, Mōʻiliʻili Community Center, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Hawaiʻi Kai Jaycees, and longtime community partner Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha, the festival reflects a shared commitment to preserving cultural traditions while strengthening community connections.

“As longtime supporter of Mo‘ili‘ili Summer Fest, Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha is honored to participate in a cherished tradition that brings community members together to honor the history and culture of this special place,” said Calvin Mann, director of planning and development at Ke Kula ʻo Kamehameha. “As we look ahead to the opening of Waiānuenue ma Kapaʻakea later this year, events like this reflect the importance of creating gathering spaces that uplift the communities we serve, grounded in ʻike kūpuna, strengthening connections, and stewarding ʻāina in ways that foster vibrant and resilient communities.”

Proceeds from each sale will go towards the production of the festival.

For more information, vendor listings, parking details, and entertainment updates, visit www.moiliilisummerfest.org.

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