Obon is a Buddhist custom that originated more than 500 years ago in Japan and came to Hawaii with the Japanese immigrant workers of the nineteenth century. Obon is celebrated as a time to remember your ancestors.
Each weekend throughout the summer, one or more of the Japanese Buddhist temples throughout Hawaii hosts a two-night festival – many of which are open to the public. Common elements from one temple to the next are tasty local treats and the Bon-Odori (Bon dance). Temples are anywhere between 15 and 40 minutes from the Ko Olina Beach Villas.
The Bon dance itself is perhaps adequately described as line dancing (but in a circle) around a specially-constructed tower bandstand called the yagura. You will hear approximately three hours of some live, some recorded, some traditional, and some less so music. It’s just good, wholesome, fun – perfect for family vacations in Hawaii.
Many Bon Dances begin with a Taiko drum performance. Some Obon festivals include lantern parades and floating lantern services. Some have open markets. Some have games and crafts. It’s a sensory experience that many Hawaii visitors will consider to be exotic and exciting.
Check out http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/June-2015/Hawaii-Summer-2015-Bon-Dance-Schedule/ for the dates and times of the summer schedule.
