Lahaina Obon Festival to lift spirits and honor ancestors on Aug. 10

A Lahaina Obon Festival will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Aug. 10 at the Lahaina Cannery Mall to uplift community spirits and honor ancestors and recently departed loved ones. A tribute to Lahaina, the special event is presented by the Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, Lahaina Jodo Mission and the Lahaina Shingon Mission.

Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy local food, play games, support local vendors and dance under the night sky. Special performances include Zenshin Daiko, Maui Taiko and Hikariyama Torao.

“We are excited to bring the community together for this special occasion,” said Yayoi Hara of the Lahaina Jodo Mission. “The obon festival is a time-honored tradition in Lahaina that allows us to connect with our heritage and each other, especially during challenging times.”

A new obon song and dance will be released at the event. Composed by Sumiko Tatsuguchi and Lance D. Collins over the last three years, “Lahaina Ondo” recalls fond memories of growing up and living in Lahaina. The recorded version features singers Colette Gomoto and Brian Nagami. Marion Kanemori choreographed the dance. The dance will be led by Maui Minyo Kai. 

Parking will be available at Lahaina Gateway Plaza (325 Keawe St, Lahaina), with a shuttle service to the Lahaina Cannery Mall. This event is open to all.

For more information visit kuhiniamaui.org.

The Japanese Buddhist tradition of Obon, which is held at various temples throughout Maui County, is a community celebration to honor and offer prayers to the spirits of ancestors through music and dance. This year’s Obon dance schedule is dedicated to memory of ancestors and those lost to the 2023 wildfires.