Activities

We offer various events and activities throughout the year. Here are the highlights of each event:

January: We organize a Food Drive for The Food Basket of Hawaii Island. We collect non-perishable food items and monetary donations to assist the organization. Additionally, we gather HI-5 recyclables.

February: Gatha Fest: This is a gathering of Hongwanji temples on this island to sing gathas (songs) to praise the Buddha’s virtue. This is also a fellowship time for the members and friends through music and refreshments once a year. Typically, 150 people get together at one of the hosting temples (there are 12 temples on this island). Puna Hongwanji will be the hosting temple this year, and it will be held on Sunday, February 23, 2025.

March: We usually hold a rummage sale this month. There are various reasonably priced items with boutique sales. As we are known for our delicious food, there will be a concession tent too. Please stay tuned!

May: One of the busiest months for us. We observe a Mother’s Brunch (a great lunch meal after the service!), Puna District Interfaith Memorial Day observance on the last Saturday before Memorial Day, and Shipman Memorial on the last Sunday (they are our benefactor; see our Temple History).

July: Our Bon Dance is scheduled for the weekend of the Fourth of July. In 2025, it will be on July 6, 2025!

September: We join the State Hongwanji’s Peace Day program during the week of Peace Day (September 21) and hold a program on Sunday as Peace Day.

October: We typically join the Keaau Elementary School Truck or Treat as a neighboring temple. This year, we prepared about 400 goodie bags, and all were given to children and participants!

November: Usually, we observe an Eitaikyo Sangha Memorial Service to remember our past members and ministers who laid the foundation for us and rededicate ourselves to spreading the legacy of the Puna Hongwanji. We also have a Thanksgiving luncheon on Thanksgiving Day so people have a place to be together on this day.

December: We join the Keaau Light Christmas Parade on the second Saturday. This year (2024), our own Puna Taiko instructor will be the Grand Marshal!

This year, we also had our first Sake Pairing Night as a fundraiser.

We have many more activities, events, and offerings than listed above. If you would like to attend, offer a helping hand, or share your skills and knowledge with us, please let us know! Alternatively, you can subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter for the most recent updates. Contact us via email at mpunahongwanji@twc.com

We always try to support and join community events to show our presence and build community together. As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child,” and it takes a whole community to create a place of belonging in our society with an attitude of respect, mutual understanding and self-reflection.

If you hold a leadership position within the Puna district or are involved with businesses or organizations in other areas and are seeking a group to join or support, we invite you to get in touch with us. We are eager to discuss potential collaborations. Please reach out at 808-966-9981 or send an email to mpunahongwanji@twc.com.