Obon Dance & Festival
Throughout the Month of July:
Obon Dance & Festival. The Obon tradition was brought to Hawai`i by Japanese immigrants and evolved into a social and cultural event, as well as a religious custom designed to honor ancestors through an evening of dance, music and merry-making. Festivities and Dance schedules and locations are listed below:
- Saturday, July 7: Lahaina Jodo Mission, 12 Ala Moana St., Lahaina. Service 6:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 8 p.m. For information call (808) 661-4304 or visit www.lahainajodomission.org.
- Friday & Saturday, July 13 & 14: Pa`ia Mantokuji Mission, 253 Hana Hwy, Paia. Service 6 p.m., Dance 7:30 p.m. For information call (808) 579-8051 or visit www.mantokujimauitemple.org.
- Saturday, July 14: Lana`i Hongwanji Mission, 1364 Fraser Ave., Lana`i City. Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 565-6817.
- Friday & Saturday, July 20 & 21: Kahului Hongwanji Mission, 291 S. Pu`unene Ave., Kahului. Service 6 p.m., Dance 7 p.m. For information call (808) 871-4732 or visit www.kahuluihongwanji.org.
- Friday & Saturday, July 27 & 28: Makawao Hongwanji Mission, 1074 Makawao Ave., Makawao. Dance 7 p.m. Service, Sunday, July 29, 10 a.m. For information call (808) 572-7229.
- Saturday, July 28: Guzeiji Soto Mission of Moloka`i. 90 Hotel Lane, Kaunakakai. Dance 6:30 p.m. For information call (808) 553-5197.