One thing I looked forward to each and every summer while growing up in Hawai’i was the Bon Dance Festival at Honpa Hongwanji. Celebrated across the islands, the festival is an annual Japanese holiday that originated in Okinawa. It commemorates and remembers loved ones who are deceased. It is during this time that their spirits return to visit their family members.
Both young and old can be found dancing under the twinkling lanterns to the beat of the taiko drums. There’s lots to see and eat at the festival, but my favorite thing is watching the graceful dancers.
Looking for fun things to do in Hawai’i this summer? Make plans to attend the next bon dance festival at Honpa Hongwanji, located at 1797 Pali Highway in Honolulu on the island of O’ahu.
