BRIEF HISTORY OF OLAA HONGWANJI NOW KNOWN AS PUNA HONGWANJI MISSION Puna Hongwanji Mission was found in 1902 when the Kyoto Honzan, at the request of Japanese immigrant workers, sent a minister to Olaa to serve the spiritual needs of the community through Jodo Shinshu teachings. Reverend Shoju Hayashi arrived in January 1902 and delivered
Read MoreWe are taking pre-orders for our Puna Hongwanji Cookbook, “125 Years of Wonderful Meals”. The Puna Hongwanji Sr. YBA has taken on the task of putting together a cookbook for our 125th Anniversary of Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Kea’au, Hawai’i. In 2027, we celebrate 125 years of being in the Puna community. We are
Read MorePuna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will be hosting a Rummage Sale on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon. There will be something for everyone. Our volunteers have been working hard to sort through all the boxes and will need to price all of the items. We are grateful to the many people
Read MoreWe will not have a temple service at Puna Hongwanji on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Instead we will meet at Hilo Betsuin for the district service at 9:30 a.m. Please join us as Rev. Dr. Carmella Javellana Hirano of Salt Lake Buddhist Temple and practicing Psychiatrist will be the guest speaker. The Dharma Message will
Read MoreWe will observe two days of peace gatherings. Please join us. SUNDAY, September 20, 2026 9:00 am – Peace Day Gathering in the Puna Hongwanji Social Hall. Our guest speaker will be Tim Hansen. His message will be “Inner and Outer Journey of Peace”. The program will be available in person and on Zoom. Please
Read MoreRegistration extended until September 30, 2026. The Hawai’i Island Nembutsu Seminar will be held on October 2, 3, 4, 2026. Please register by September 18, 2026 at the following link. https://forms.gle/AroGHhm9A2vdfQz1A Featured speaker will be Rev. Dr. Carmela Javellana Hirano, Practicing Psychiatrist and Salt Lake Buddhist Temple. October 2, 2026 – 5 pm –
Read MoreThe Nāʻālehu/Pāhala Hongwanji Bon Dance will be held at Nāʻālehu Hongwanji on Saturday, September 19, 2026. 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Community Memorial 3:00 pm – 4:20 pm Dance* 4:20 pm – 5:00 pm Taiko Performance* 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Dance* 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Music only The community is very resilient after
Read MoreHurricane Lala has left our communities in great need of help. As everyone has been trying to clean up and pick up the pieces Tropical Storm Moke was right behind with anticipation of 15” of rain. Today it’s Tropical Depression Moke which is moving away, but may bring 2-4 inches of rain to the Kaʻū
Read MoreDUE TO THE WEATHER SYSTEM APPROACHING THE ISLANDS WE HAVE POSTPONED THIS EVENT. WE ARE PLANNING TO HOST THIS IN JANUARY 2027. We have a few seats left for those interested in our Third Annual Sake Pairing Event on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm. This will be a good fun
Read MorePlease join us at the Pahoa YBA Hall (15-3003 Kauhale Street, Pahoa) on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 3 pm – 6 pm. The Pahoa Nikkei Jin Kai will be hosting the Bon Dance in Pahoa. Drumming will be provided by Puna Taiko. The dance will be led by Shinka Odorikai. Please support the concession.
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