Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple celebrated 125 years Saturday and Sunday with a bon dance, craft fair, Chigo parade, service and Affirmation Rites.
The Kona Hongwanji Mission was established in Hookena in 1897 to provide spiritual and cultural retreat for the recently arrived Japanese immigrants who came to South Kona to work the coffee farms.
The first members of the Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple congregation couldn’t imagine that the church would survive a war initiated by its home country; that members of their congregation would be interned by their adopted country; or that the future generations would be instrumental in the success of Kona coffee.
A group of Shin Sect Buddhists constructed a simple temple where services could be held. Within two years, the mission was moved to Kainaliu and then to it’s current location in Kealakekua in 1906. The current mission houses the temple, a parsonage, social hall, kitchen and preschool.
Today, 200 member families and several affiliated groups such as the Buddhist Woman’s Association, Shinwakai (men’s group), Dharma School, Boy Scout Troop 59, Cub Scout Pack 12, Judo Club, Junior Young Buddhist Association and Taiko Group call the temple home.
On Saturday evening, the temple kicked off the celebration with its first bon dance since 2019 featuring the Taiko Drum Group providing the rhythmic beat under the light of paper lanterns. Dancers from keiki to kupuna, some dressed in traditional garb, proved they remembered the hand movements and steps that accompanied each song despite the pandemic-induced hiatus to the traditional event.
The dance drew hundreds and was the only such gathering this year in West Hawaii.
Kyodan President Linda Nagai said Obon season is usually in the summer from July to August. Due to the pandemic, temples across the island decided to cancel the celebration that honors ancestors, however, Kona Hongwanji decided to include the dance in the anniversary celebration.
“As we celebrate 125 years of serving the community, Kona Hongwanji Buddhist Temple remains dedicated to sharing the teachings of the Neumbutsu so that we can realize a society in which everyone is able to live a life in harmony, peace, and gratitude,” said Bishop Eric Matsumoto.
The festivities continued Sunday morning with a Chigo parade featuring Hawaii’s beautiful keiki dressed in Chigo kimonos and adornments, representing heavenly beings. These processions are traditionally done for major celebrations.
The parade was followed by a service officiated by Kona-born and raised Matsumoto. A luncheon followed with Affirmation Rites, people receiving their Buddhist name, wrapping up the festivities. The temple will also start to fill a time capsule that will be “buried” for 50 years.
“Looking 125 years into the future, what will be said about Kona Hongwanji?” asked Nagai. “I believe with our dedicated Sangha members and Rev. Blaine Higa leading the next generation, the story of our vibrant Dharma-centered community will continue to be written for a new era.”
