Mangoes, lychee, south swells and bon dances. These are all the things we look forward to in summer in Hawaiʻi. Wait—what’s a bon dance? The Obon—or bon—festival is an annual Japanese holiday held in the summertime that commemorates and remembers deceased ancestors. It is believed that their spirits return at this time to visit their relatives. […]
Obon season has arrived in Hawaiʻi. Throughout the Islands’ summer months, bon dances occur on almost every weekend at different buddhist temples around the state. Featuring great local food stalls, traditional obon songs and energetic dancing around the yagura—a large wooden tower where taiko drummers perform—Hawaiʻi bon dances are a favorite annual event to attend
A long-held Buddhist tradition, Obon festivals are held every year to honor the spirits of our ancestors. At the festivals, everyone can communally partake in lively bon dances with live music to greet the spirits. Bring your whole family and join in the festivities of good food, shimmering lanterns and a celebration of life. OʻAHU
