The bon dance at the Waimea Higashi Hongwanji, erected in 1899, may have marked the final bon dance for the Kauai Buddhist Council calendar that hosts six bon dances during the summer months.
“I couldn’t attend all of the bon dances,” said Brian Yamamoto, a member of the Kapaa Hongwanji as well as a professor at the Kauai Community College. “This is the last bon dance, so it’s worthwhile to drive all the way from Kapaa.”
Another reason for making the cross-island trek was to visit a botany professional who was able to rearrange his departure plans so he could meet up with Yamamoto in Waimea.
“We already started bowling,” said Kapaa High School bowling coach Kevin Gusman, who was desperately trying to “save space” for the rest of his family coming to the bon dance. “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.”
Sonya Higuchi has a week left in summer before she returns to school. She spent Friday participating in a variety of bon dance-related activities, including waiting in line for food, sharing stories with friends, browsing the “mini country store,” waiting for the music to start, and waiting for shave ice.
Although the bon dance at the Waimea Higashi Hongwanji is billed as the last bon dance, the two-day event in Waimea marks the final bon dance on the Kauai Buddhist Council calendar. The Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa in Poipu will host its annual festivities on August 8 from 5:30 to 9 p.m., and the public is welcome to attend. The event, which receives the cooperation and support of the Kauai Buddhist Council churches, offers Grand Hyatt Kauai guests a hands-on experience of a local custom.
“Moani Tolentino, the Hawaiian culture manager at the Grand Hyatt Kauai, has been offering lessons to some of the guests,” said Diann Hartman of the Grand Hyatt Kauai. “She’ll have lessons on the week leading to the bon dance that will be open to guests and visitors.”
There is no admission to participate in the Grand Hyatt Kauai bon dance, which is based on the Japanese custom of remembering one’s ancestors. The act of attending is already a form of participation.
There will be food booths featuring some of the bon dance foods, activities that serve as fundraisers for the resort’s community service projects and scholarships, a host of keiki games like Fish Pond, and bon dancing.
“Every year, the bon dance gets bigger and bigger,” Hartman said. “I’m sure this will be another fun night.”
Source: The Garden Island