Notice of Non‑Discrimination and Notification of Rights Under Title VI
A Time Honored Tradition Continues
Posted September 05, 2017
Since 1982 Hale Makua Health Services has honored the Japanese Obon festival by holding an annual Bon Dance. It began as a small dance held at our Wailuku campus and has since expanded to both campuses and gained popularity in the community.
The Hale Makua Bon Dance originated with the United Women’s Buddhist Association bringing together dancers from Maui Minyo Kai and drummers from Maui Taiko in the roundabout entrance of Hale Makua Wailuku. Wailuku Hongwanji would provide the music and together they danced to honor and welcome the spirits of loved ones who had passed on. A few years later, the Kahului campus decided to start their own tradition.
Over the past 35 years, the annual Bon Dance has grown and welcomes community members to join in the celebration, but the key organizations are still involved and we couldn’t do it without them. In addition to the support we receive from Maui Taiko and the Maui Minyo Kai, residents’ family members donate refreshments and volunteer at the event, helping to serve residents and take them back to their rooms at the end of the night.
It is our hope that we continue to draw a crowd for this very special evening, we are grateful for 35 years of continuous community support and are looking forward to years to come celebrating this Japanese tradition.