Maui Matsuri this year features a solemn luminary to offer healing from the Aug. 8, 2023 wildfires that took 101 lives. The Maui Interfaith Alliance is a group of spiritual leaders who have come together for a common purpose. The Alliance will lead some prayers, and lighting of 101 candles to kick-off the festival’s Obon Dancing finale. Some members of the Alliance participating are: Nā Mea ʻOli – Rev. Kealahou Alika and Fr. John A. Hauʻoli Tomoso+, Prayer in Christian Tradition – Pastor Roxanne WhiteLight, Prayer in Jewish Tradition – Chaplain Rabbi Ryan Mallek of the US Navy, Prayer in Buddhist tradition and to explain the significance of Obon – Rev. Kerry Kiyohara.

Please join us in this portion of the festival as we remember our loved ones.

Sprecklesville, Maui — Ti Leaf Lei are needed for placement at the Maui Veteran Cemetary in Makawao, Maui for Memorial Day Ceremonies on May 26. Please refer to the flyer for information on how you can contribute ti leaf and or ti leaf lei. Lei-making classes are also available.

Hawaii’s Plantation Village once again opens the Oahu bon dance season with its annual Obon
Celebration. It will be a fun night of dancing, ono local foods and tasty treats such as andagi,
shave ice and waffle dogs.

The Village Gift Shop, Country Store and pop-up plant sales tent will offer a variety of plantation related items and crafts for purchase and visitors can also visit the Historical Exhibition Room to learn about Hawaii’s plantation life, the Honouliuli National Historic Site and view our Looking Through Our Grandparents’ Closet exhibit.

The celebration will also feature special performances by emcee and singer Hikariyama Torao
and taiko performances by Waipahu Taiyoji Taiko and Ryugen Taiko. A special lantern floating
ceremony will also take place at the village pond at sunset. A limited number of lanterns will be
available for purchase at the event at the Waipahu Soto Zen Temple tent.

Parking and shuttle service will be available at Waipahu Elementary School and Hawaii Tech
Academy between 3:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Donations are welcomed for the shuttle service.
Limited handicap parking available on site.

Since the first “Matsuri in Hawaii” in 1980, the Pan-Pacific Festival has served as an opportunity to share and experience traditional Japanese culture. Over the years, the festival’s scope has expanded to include other cultures from Hawaii’s rich environment. With increased access to resources, our ability to foster a global community through education and experience is broadened with access to additional resources.

Thousands are expected to celebrate this crowd favorite event honoring the historic Mōʻiliʻili district and Obon season featuring Honolulu’s largest bon dance. This community planned and programmed annual event also includes a modern street festival featuring a diversity of local food vendors, artisans, retailers, and cultural entertainment.The festival is supported by Kamehameha Schools in partnership with the Mōʻiliʻili Hongwanji Mission and other community organizations including the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i, the Mōʻiliʻili Community Center, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa have come together to deliver this lively event for all to enjoy.