The Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple is planning a Children's Day event for keiki and keiki young at heart.  This event was started after the covid restrictions were lifted as a way to give the keiki in the community a way to participate in fun activities.  

The event will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on the grounds of Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple at 16-492 Old Volcano Road, Keaau, HI.  Parking will be available on the temple grounds and at the HMSA parking lot.

To start off the event at 10:00 a.m. for the first time we will have a Keiki Fun run which is open to all ages and all speeds.  The route is about 400 meters.  We are fortunate that the Big Island Road Runners group is allowing us to utilize their website for interested participants to register.  Register by April 23.  Please register at https://runsignup.com/Race/HI/Keaau/PunaHongwanjiKeikiFunRun.

Also new to the line up is Karl Magic It's Automatic.  The magic show will start at 11:30 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. in the social hall on the stage.

Other activities that we have commitments for are Malama Haloa Hui Kui Kalo where you can learn to pound your own pa'i a'i.  Hawaii Police Department will be on site to process keiki ID's, Hawaii Fire Department get to experience being on a fire truck, brush truck and ambulance, Ben Franklin Crafts learn to do gyotaku and they will have another activity as well, Puna Hongwanji Boutique will be open for those looking for some great finds from 10 am - 1 pm, Hilo Intermediate Intramural Club will have outdoor activities, Waiakea High School Japan Club will share a traditional game, hanetsuki.  Other's that will be onsite will be CU Hawaii FCU, INPEACE, Puna Hongwanji Informatioal table.  In the food area the Puna Hongwanji Judo Club will have a concession, Puna Taiko will have andagi, Puna Hongwanji Sr YBA will sell lilipops.  Pahala Hongwanji Taiko are taking pre-orders for their maki suchi until Friday, April 17, 2026 at https://forms.gle/1eLq4ZC9rBQKaAuu7

This event is open to all.  Watch our social media and website as we update as more organizations join us.