Hundreds Attend Final Bon Dance of Kauai Buddhist Council Calendar

The final bon dance of the Kauai Buddhist Council calendar attracted hundreds of attendees to the historic Waimea Higashi Hongwanji on August 5, 2023. This event, which has been a staple of summer festivities, may mark the last bon dance in this series, drawing participants from across the island.

Members of the community expressed their enthusiasm for attending the dance, which celebrates a significant Japanese tradition of honoring ancestors. Brian Yamamoto, a professor at Kauai Community College and a member of the Kapaa Hongwanji, noted, “This is the last bon dance, so it’s worthwhile to drive all the way from Kapaa.” His journey also included a visit with a botany professional, who adjusted their schedule to meet Yamamoto in Waimea.

Attendees engaged in a variety of activities throughout the evening. Kevin Gusman, the bowling coach at Kapaa High School, emphasized the importance of attending the event, stating, “Since this is the last one, it’s worth coming all the way to Waimea since we’re not having bon dance until next year.” The anticipation surrounding the evening was palpable, with families arriving to share in the festivities.

Many visitors, including Sonya Higuchi, took the opportunity to enjoy food and entertainment while connecting with friends. Higuchi participated in several bon dance-related activities, from waiting in line for traditional foods to browsing the “mini country store” and enjoying the music. As the last scheduled bon dance of the summer, this event offered a unique chance for community bonding and cultural celebration.

Although this event signaled the end of the bon dance series for the Kauai Buddhist Council, the festivities continue. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa in Poipu will host its annual bon dance on August 8 from 17:30 to 21:00, welcoming the public to participate. This gathering, supported by local Buddhist churches, seeks to provide guests an immersive experience into Kauai’s rich cultural heritage.

Diann Hartman from the Grand Hyatt Kauai highlighted the resort’s efforts to engage visitors, stating, “Moani Tolentino, the Hawaiian culture manager at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, has been offering lessons to some of the guests.” These lessons leading up to the bon dance are designed to educate attendees about the cultural significance behind the event.

There is no admission fee for the Grand Hyatt Kauai bon dance, which emphasizes community participation as a way to honor ancestors. Attendees will have access to food booths featuring traditional bon dance fare, as well as activities supporting local community service projects and scholarships. Children’s games, such as Fish Pond, will also be available, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere alongside the dancing.

Hartman noted the growing popularity of these events, saying, “Every year, the bon dance gets bigger and bigger. I’m sure this will be another fun night.” As the final bon dance approaches, community members remain eager to celebrate and preserve this cherished tradition.