Bon dance on the Big Island?

[Susan]

We have just returned from our 10 day trip to Oahu and the BI. It sucks to be back.

While on Oahu we stayed in Waikiki for two nights to go to the Bishop Museum and eat as much poke as we could stuff ourselves with.
Also went up and stayed at my favorite place on the North Shore-Keiki Beach Bungalows.

Just so happens the Okinawan Festival was also going on in Kapiolani Park. They had a bon dance on Friday night and it was awesome. Young, old, locals, tourists, everybody just jumped in and it was so much fun.

Has anyone every heard of bon dances and or bon dance lessons in Puna?

We also found our property in Puna. Not going to say more until the deal is sealed. My grandpa taught me not to "count my chickens before they hatch"

Edits for spelling..

[lquade]

hi susan, almost each hongwangi had bon dances this year. they went for 3 nites at the puna hongwangi, 2 in the kau'u and i believe one nite in the pahoa area. all are welcome to attend, contact the temple nearest you when you get settled for the fall event.

[Carey]

Every summer there are a number of Bon dances, not just at Hongwanji, throughout the summer. Most of the missions also have bon dance lessons starting in late spring. The 2 night Puna Hongwanji Bon Dances are normally on the Friday & Saturday evenings near 4th of July. Honamu is normally one of the earlier ones (early June & there are a couple in HIlo that are in late August.

It is a traditional dance for for remembering those who have past on. Most members of local families try to be in town for the dance at their home mission, esp. on special anniversary years, and everyone in the community is invited to partake. Many that have multi night dances have a traditional night that is very colorful.

ETA: Found this link to THIS years schedule (past):
http://www.hilobetsuin.org/content/view/130/3/

[Susan]

Thank you. It was a moving and beautiful event. I look forward to the day we can participate in all the wonderful culture that is Hawaii.

[Kapohocat]

We go to the Honomu Bon Dance every year! Every body in Honomu and surronding area is there - get to see old friends! - the dancing, the drums. the food! A fun evening!

There are Bon Dances all over the island a good portion of the summer!

[Carey]

The Hawaii Trib Herald has a listing for Bon Dance practice in their Calendar section"
Thurs. Sept. 24
Bon Dance Practice at the Hilo Meshion Social Hall 7-8:30 Sept 24, Oct. 8; Tsukikage Odon Kai will be having a bon dance practice free and open to the public, Bring a towel and a fan. Practice is held 2nd & 4th Thurs. at 7pm. No practice Oct. 22. Contact info in the Trib.

[Susan]

Thanks for the additional info Carey! I wish we could be there for it. Maybe next year.

[Carey]

Hilo Meshion will be having another Bon Dance practice on Thurs. Dec. 10 from 7-8:30 pm in their Social Hall (practices will be on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays, with no practice on Dec. 24)