Maui Matsuri started as a Japanese festival on Market Street in Wailuku Maui in May 1999. It is the only Japanese festival on Maui and it is put together totally by a team of volunteers. The perpetual theme for this festival is “Kodomo No Tame Ni“, which translates to “For the Sake of the Children”. The annual event is family-friendly and provides opportunities to learn about Japanese culture and pass down traditions. The festival includes free entertainment, craft and food booths, food trucks, contests and giveaways, kid’s craft activities, exhibits, and a community obon dance. Ancestors came to Hawaiʻi for a better life not only for themselves but for their children and for generations to come. In this spirit, the festival ends with a traditional obon dance which encourages all ages, all religious denominations, and all ethnicities to come together to dance in honor of all ancestors. More info: Maui Matsuri (mauimatsuri.com)
Matsuri Festival 2024
- May 18, 2024 // 10:00am-1:00pm at Queen Kaahumanu Center. Free admission. Children’s Festival: entertainments, craftmaking, demonstrations, hands-0n activities
- May 25, 2024 // 3:00pm-7:00pm // 7:00pm-9:00pm Obon at UH Maui College. Free admission. Parking is $5. Japanese Festival: entertainment, craftmaking, food, vendors, exhibits, contests, bon dance.
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