KAPAA — This weekend, the West Kauai Hongwanji Mission, Waimea temple, 4475 Menehune Road, invites the public to the second bon dance of the season, hosted by the Kauai Buddhist Council. Game and food booths open at 5:30 p.m. Friday and
KAPAA — This weekend, the West Kauai Hongwanji Mission, Waimea temple, 4475 Menehune Road, invites the public to the second bon dance of the season, hosted by the Kauai Buddhist Council.
Game and food booths open at 5:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings with the bon dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Tania Takashiba of the WK Hongwanji, Waimea temple, said it is a free community event perfect for the entire family with fun games for the kids and food booths offering fresh andagi, an Okinawan doughnut, “ono-licious” saimin, shaved ice, and a special plate offered by the Waimea Americans of Japanese Ancestry.
Bon is a Buddhist observance and tradition which arrived in Hawaii with the first Japanese immigrants brought over to labor in the plantations more than a century ago. The immigrants brought the tradition with them and practiced the bon dances, tribute to their ancestors, in the plantation camps.
Over the years, the practice was adopted by the Hawaiian community and has become a center of community social gathering while fundraising for the hosting temple.
The Bon season started Friday at the Kapaa Jodo Mission.
Intermission entertainment includes performances by Taiko Kauai on Friday and the Tsunami Taiko on Saturday.
Info: 338-1494, or 338-1537
