Honomu Henjoji Mission invites communities along the Hamakua Coast to celebrate life with a Obon service and dance this Saturday.
Honomu Henjoji is hosting its first Bon Odori, or bon dance, since 2019 and will be doing things slightly differently this year.
“This year is actually an experiment for us. We weren’t able to host a bon dance last year as many of our members are unable to volunteer, or have passed on in the last few years,” said Bishop Clark Watanabe. “To help make it happen, we opened it up to the Honomu community for volunteers, and we’re looking forward to seeing how it works out.”
Two Honomu churches, Hilo Coast United Church of Christ and Holy Ascension Orthodox Church, have volunteered to run concession stands and sell food and drinks throughout the night.
“When the Honomu Mission opened during the plantation era, it was the whole community that came together to put on events. After the plantations closed down, the responsibility fell on the membership alone,” Watanabe said. “With our Honomu community volunteering with us, we’ll be going back to those roots.”
The bon dance is a Buddhist tradition that varies from region to region and has been practiced for over 600 years. The style of dance is meant to welcome, celebrate and appreciate ancestors and loved ones who have passed away.
“Obon is the time of the year for Buddhists to remember and be grateful for their ancestors,” said Ken Okimoto of the Big Island Buddhist Federation. “The dance is a joyful reunion with those from the past.”
Everyone is welcomed to come to Hawaii Island’s bon dances to spectate and participate, whether they are just learning the movements or have been dancing for years.
“Most of the older longtime leaders of temples are rapidly fading out, so bon dances may also fade away very soon unless others participate and support,” Okimoto said.
Honomu’s event will be the fourth bon dance this year and 22 more will follow until the combined Pahala and Naalehu Hongwanji dance on Saturday, Sept. 14.
The Honomu Henjoji Mission will have the Hatsubon and Obon service Saturday beginning at 5 p.m. and the bon dance will follow at 7 p.m. at 28-1668 Old Mamalahoa Highway.