Big Island embraces Buddhist cultural tradition with 27 Obon celebrations this season

As the thunderous beat from taiko drums fills the air and the colorful fabrics of kimono and hapi coats move in unison, the community will dance together in a circle to celebrate Obon season.

While Obon is typically celebrated by Buddhists in Japan, the season always seems to bring people of all backgrounds together in celebration across the Big Island.

The bon dance is a Buddhist tradition that varies from region to region and has been practiced for more than 600 years. The style of dance is meant to welcome, celebrate and appreciate ancestors and loved ones who have passed away.

Obon celebrations on Hawaiʻi Island typically begin in June and continue through August. Dances are held on Saturdays in the parking lots or grounds of temples. They are open to the public.

“Obon is the time of the year for Buddhists to remember and be grateful for their ancestors,” said Ken Okimoto of the Big Island Buddhist Federation. “The dance is a joyful reunion with those from the past.”

This year, 27 bon dances are planned for communities across the island, including at Honomu Henjioji on Saturday and the Obon Festival at Old Kona Airport on Sunday.

Everyone is welcome to watch or participate in Hawaiʻi Island’s bon dances, whether they are just learning the movements or have been dancing for years. The dances involve simple hand and foot movements.

Food vendors offer various treats, including teriyaki beef sticks and Okinawan doughnuts.

“Most of the older longtime leaders of temples are rapidly fading out, so bon dances may also fade away very soon unless others participate and support,” Okimoto said.

Bon dances are also an annual source of income for Buddhist temples across the state, helping to sustain their general operations, community programs and upkeep of their historic buildings and facilities.

Most of the dances start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise stated. The list of bon dances can be found below:

• June 14: Honomu Henjioji (Odaishisan) at 4 p.m.
• June 15: Obon Festival at Old Kona Airport at 4 p.m.
• June 21: Pāpaʻikou Hongwanji Mission
• June 28: Puna Hongwanji Mission
• July 5: Community Dance/Kohala Hongwanji Mission at Kamehameha Park
• July 12: Kona Daifukuji Soto Mission at 3 p.m.
• July 12: Hilo Meishoin
• July 12: Paʻauilo Hongwanji Mission
• July 19: Keʻei Buddhist Church
• July 19: Honokaʻa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
• July 19: Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin
• July 26: Hilo Hongwanji Mission (Odaishisan)
• July 26: Kona Hongwanji Mission
• Aug. 2: Taishoji Soto Mission
• Aug. 2: Kurtistown Jodo Mission
• Aug. 8: Life Care Center in Hilo at 6 p.m.
• Aug. 9: Hilo Higashi Hongwanji Mission
• Aug. 9: Hāmākua Jodo Mission
• Aug. 9: Kona Koyasan Daishiji
• Aug. 16: Hakalau Jodo Mission
• Aug. 16: Kamuela Hongwanji Mission
• Aug. 23: Hāwī Jodo Mission
• Aug. 23: Hōnōhina-Papaʻaloa Obon at Hōnōhina Hongwanji at 2 p.m.
• Aug. 23: Hilo Daijingu Natsu Matsuri
• Aug. 30: Pāhoa Kaikan at Pāhoa YBA Hall at 3 p.m.
• Sept. 13: Pāhala Nāʻālehu Obon at Pāhala Hongwanji