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.