On whim, I headed over to Hilo for the afternoon on Saturday. There were a few reasons to head over, and one of them was the Papaikou Hongwanji Obon Festival. I spent much of the afternoon running errands in town, and then just after 6pm it was time to drive north towards Papaikou. Unfortunately, I got the start time wrong, and I arrived an hour early. Luckily, Papaikou is near one of the most scenic spots of South Hilo district.

The Onomea Trail and overlook is only a short drive away from Papaikou. I wasted sometime walking around the trail, and watching the water.

I arrived back at the Hongwanji closer to 7pm, and the dancing began.

I was only able to stay a short time, as I had to make the long drive back home.

The Keauhou Obon Festival was held June 5th at the Keauhou Shopping Center. The Kona Daifukuji Taiko performed, and many members of the Tsukikage Odori Kai were in attendance.

The Kona Daifukuji Taiko put on a wonderful and impressive show. They flowed smoothly with each other, and showed a particular intensity.

I’m particularly attracted to the Tsukikage Odori Kai yukata and happi. The blue is striking, and the rabbit emblem… sums me up. They are beautiful. Now, I’m wondering how can I get one of their happi for myself.

I actually danced at this obon. I was awful, but I tried my best to do a good job. Bon dancing, taiko, and I’m one happy girl. It’s amazing how big my smile gets at at Obon festival.

Here’s a quick video of the event:

The Na’alehu Hongwanji held there Obon Festival on May 29, 2010. It was the first celebration of the Obon season, and just happened to be the closest one to my home. I’m hoping to start attending the dharma classes at the Na’alehu Hongwanji. It was interesting to see how they had more than 1000 members in the early part of the last century, but they are now down to about 30 members, and share the space with a local church.

The festival started around 3pm, with booths, visiting dancers, and food keeping everyone entertained. It was a beautiful day for an Obon dance.

Puna Taiko Club performed.

Puna Taiko Club invited members of the audience to try out the taiko. I was certainly excited to try. I didn’t want to give back the sticks, but of course I did.

Here’s a quick video of the Na’alehu Obon Festival.

Don’t Miss The Obon Near You!

2010 BON DANCE SCHEDULES

HONOLULU
June 25-26 Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin 6:30pm 536-7044
July 2-3 Moiliili Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:15pm 949-1659
July 17 Kailua Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:00pm 262-4560
July 23-24 Jikoen Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 6:00pm 845-3422

OAHU
June 19 Ewa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:00pm 677-4221
June 25-26 Wahiawa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:30pm 622-4320
July 9-10 Waipahu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:00pm 677-4221
July 17 Waianae Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:00pm 622-4221
August 7 Waialua Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:30pm 637-4395
August 13-14 Pearl City Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:30pm 455-1680
August 20-21 Mililani Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:00pm 625-0925
August 28 Aiea Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:00pm 487-2626

KAUAI
June 18-19 West Kauai Hongwanji Hanapepe Temple 7:30pm 338-1537
June 25-26 Lihue Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:45pm 245-6262
July 23-24 West Kauai Hongwanji Waimea Temple 7:30pm 338-1537
July 30-31 Kapaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:30pm 822-4667
August 13-14 West Kauai Hongwanji Koloa Temple 7:30pm 338-1537

MAUI
June 25-26 Lahaina Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:30pm 661-0640
July 10 Lanai Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:00pm 572-7229
July 16-17 Kahului Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 8:00pm 871-4732
July 23-24 Makawao Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:30pm 572-7229
Aug. 6-7 Wailuku Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 8:00pm 244-0406

HAWAII
May 29 Naalehu Community Bon Dance Festival 3:00pm 966-9981
June 5 Keauhou Shopping Center 6:00pm 323-2993
June 12, 2010 – Honomu Henjoji (Odaishisan)
June 19 Papaikou Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 6:00pm 964-1640
June 26 Honomu Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 6:00pm 963-6032
July 2-3 Puna Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 6:30pm 966-9981
July 3 Kohala Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 6:00pm 775-7232
July 9-10 Honpa Hongwanji Hilo Betsuin 7:00pm 961-6677
July 10 Paauilo Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 6:00pm 776-1369
July 16 & 17, 2010 – Hilo Meishoin
July 17 Honokaa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 6:00pm 775-7232
July 24 Papaaloa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 6:00pm 962-6340
July 24 Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 7:00pm 323-2993
July 24, 2010 – Hilo Hooganji (Odaishisan) – Manono St
August 7, 2010 – Nichren Mission (Makalika St)
August 14, 2010 – Higashi Hongwanji
August 20, 2010 – Life Care Center 6:00 – 7:30
August 21, 2010 – Hakalau Jodo Mission
August 27 Honohina Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 6:00pm 963-6032
August 28 Kamuela Hongwanji Buddhist Temple 6:00pm 775-7232
August 28 Puna Hongwanji Pahoa-Shibu 7:00pm 966-9981

(video from Olympia, WA Obon, notice the Hilo Hongwanji Happi =)

The Na’alehu Hongwanji will host it’s bon dance on Saturday May 29 from 3pm – 9pm.

Tentative Schedule:
3-5pm – Open for public temple tours and demonstrations. Performances from visiting Hongwanji.
6pm – Taiko Drums/ Bon Dancing
6:45-7pm – Puna Taiko Drums
7-8pm – Bon Dancers with public participation
8-9pm – A Floating Lantern Ceremony with Bag Pipes.

Other Obon events are coming up quickly approaching. I’m trying to track down all the dates, but I think I might be a little early for the full list.

Kona Hongwanji
June 5th 2010
Keauhou Shopping Center 6-10pm in phase II parking lot