KANEOHE, Hawaii — Windward Mall partners with the Windward Buddhist Temple and Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji to present the third annual Bon Dance Festival from 3:45 to 8:15 p.m. on Oct. 7.
The festivities in Center Court will feature bon dance performances with live music, traditional Okinawan and Japanese delicacies, bon dance merchandise for sale, plus a fan decorating activity for Koolau Kids Club members on the second floor near Local Motion while supplies last.
“We’re excited to welcome the community back for the third annual bon dance festival,” said Windward Mall General Manager Cesar Topacio in a news release. “Windward Mall is a gathering place for kamaaina, offering shopping, dining, entertainment, and community-driven events, all aimed at fostering connection and unity.”
Koolau Sakura Odori Kai and Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai will dance to live music provided by Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi with vocals, flutes, chimes, and the bon dance staple, taiko drums.
Hawaii Eisa Shinyuu Kai is also set to perform Okinawan music accompanied by the unique sound of the sanshin. And contemporary Okinawan Eisa drumming group, Chinagu Eisa Hawaii, will showcase its effort to preserve and promote Okinawan culture among younger generations and the community.
Attendees will find traditional delicacies such as andagi, bitter melon namasu, takuan, nantu (Okinawan mochi), and banana muffins at Windward Buddhist Temple’s booth. Framed bodhi leaves, bon dance fans and towels will also be available for purchase.
Savor further traditional flavors at the Kaneohe Higashi Hongwanji Temple’s booth in the form of sekihan (sticky red bean rice) and sweet potato manju while browsing through crafts, clothing, fans, traditional bon dance hairpieces, and patchwork quilts for sale.
“The Bon Dance Festival has been a community favorite since its beginnings a few years ago,” stated Gary Evora, senior asset manager at Kamehameha Schools. “This family-friendly event offers an engaging, hands-on experience that unites the community in celebrating and embracing the rich heritage of Heeia. It underscores our dedication to honoring culture and history as part of the retail experience at Windward Mall.”
The community is also invited to support the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawaii temple in Lahaina and its members by making donations at the festival. The temple and many homes of congregation members were destroyed in the devastating Aug. 8 wildfire. Donations can also be made via PayPal and GoFundMe to assist HHMH’s efforts to support displaced families and relief efforts on Maui.
Also on Oct. 7, Windward Mall customers who spend $100 or more at mall retailers, eateries and restaurants will receive a $10 retail gift card. Same-day receipts can be redeemed at the gift-with-purchase redemption table in Center Court.
Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.