NEWS RELEASE

Windward Mall Collaborates with Windward Buddhist Temple and Kāneʻohe Higashi Hongwanji for the Third Annual Bon Dance Festival

In partnership with the Windward Buddhist Temple and Kāne‘ohe Higashi Hongwanji, Windward Mall is pleased to present the third annual Bon Dance Festival on Saturday, Oct. 7, from 3:45 to 8:15 p.m. in Center Court. The festival will feature bon dance performances with live music, traditional Okinawan and Japanese foods, and bon dance items for sale. Additionally, Windward Mall will offer complimentary fan decorating for its Ko‘olau Kids Club members on the second floor near Local Motion, while supplies last.

WHAT: Windward Mall Third Annual Bon Dance Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 7 from 3:45 to 8:15 p.m.

WHERE: Windward Mall Center Court

“We’re excited to welcome the community back for the third annual bon dance festival,” said Windward Mall General Manager Cesar Topacio. “Windward Mall is a gathering place for kama‘āina, offering shopping, dining, entertainment, and community-driven events, all aimed at fostering connection and unity.”

The community is invited to enjoy dance performances by Ko‘olau Sakura Odori Kai and Iwakuni Odori Aiko Kai. ‘Aiea Taiheiji Yagura Gumi will provide live bon dance music, including vocals, flutes, chimes, and the powerful rhythms of taiko drums. Hawai‘i Eisa Shinyuu Kai will perform live Okinawan music with the unique sounds of the sanshin, complementing the percussion. Additionally, Chinagu Eisa Hawai‘i, a contemporary Okinawan Eisa drumming group, will showcase its dedication to preserving and promoting Okinawan culture among younger generations and the local community.

Windward Buddhist Temple’s booth will showcase a delightful array of traditional Bon Dance delicacies, including andagi, bitter melon namasu, banana muffins, takuan, and nantu (Okinawan mochi). They will also have framed bohi leaves, Windward Buddhist Temple bon dance fans, and towels available for purchase.

Over at Kāne‘ohe Higashi Hongwanji Temple’s booth, festivalgoers can savor sekihan (red bean sticky rice) and sweet potato manju, while perusing a selection of artisanal offerings such as crafts, clothing, fans, traditional bon dance hairpieces, and charming patchwork quilts, all available for sale.

“The Bon Dance Festival has been a community favorite since its beginnings a few years ago,” emphasized Gary Evora, senior asset manager at Kamehameha Schools. “This family-friendly event offers an engaging, hands-on experience that unites the community in celebrating and embracing the rich heritage of Heʻeia. It underscores our dedication to honoring culture and history as part of the retail experience at Windward Mall.”

This year's festival includes an opportunity for the community to support the Honpa Hongwanji Mission of Hawai‘i (HHMH) temple and members in Lāhainā, Maui, which was tragically destroyed in devastating wildfires along with many of the temple members’ homes. During Windward Mall’s third annual Bon Dance Festival, attendees are encouraged to make donations to assist HHMH’s efforts in providing support to the displaced families and relief efforts on Maui.

Furthermore, on Oct. 7, customers who spend $100 or more in same-day receipts at Windward Mall retailers, eateries and restaurants will receive a $10-retailer gift card throughout the day. Receipts can be redeemed at the gift-with-purchase redemption table in Center Court.

For more information, please visit us at www.windwardmall.com or follow @WindwardMall on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates.

Video from the second annual Bon Dance Festival can be downloaded here (Courtesy of Windward Mall).