In Honolulu since 1956 and inspired by the exotic art of Asia and Hawai’i, Tori Richard has created a sophisticated men’s and women’s collection for the resort lifestyle, including an exquisite selection of accessories and furnishings.
Located at The Shops at Kukui’ula
SoHa Living is a stylish store specializing in gifts and home decor. You will find everything from made in Hawai’i pieces to an amazing assortment of hard to find gifts. We offer decorative accents, linens, gourmet foods, jewelry, artwork, shells, and anything that epitomizes the beach lifestyle. Located at The Shops at Kukui’ula.
Poipu Surf is Kauai’s one stop premier surf shop on the south side. Poipu surf carries all of your beach needs. We do surf and standup rentals as well as sell the hottest in men’s and women’s surf fashion and beachwear.
The sounds of music, taiko drumming and floating lanterns illuminating the sky can only mean one thing: Kauai bon dance season has begun. Just five minutes from Poipu, Koloa Town comes to life each year for the annual bon dance at Koloa Jodo Mission. Typically held from June through August, a bon dance is a traditional Buddhist ceremony to honor the spirit of one’s ancestors.
To experience a bon dance ceremony is to travel in time to the distant shores of Japan. Women and children dressed in elaborate kimono tied tightly with obi and men in Happi coats seem to float around the yagura, or a raised platform, in synchronized movements to the music. The deep emotion of this ceremony to honor the dead can be heard through its sometimes wistful, mournful or even happy musical melodies.
Food booths serve a variety of local favorites, such as the sweet deep fried pronto pop (similar to a corn dog) or the flying saucer, a sandwich made of white bread, hamburger meat, and American cheese melted in a pie iron over high heat. The okinawan donut, called andagi, cooked fresh at the bon dance has a dense but sweet quality to it that melts in your mouth.
Children love going to bon dance for the games. Similar to a carnival, every bon dance offers a variety of game booths. The fish pond game is easily a favorite of all children. In this game, a bamboo fishing pole with a clothespin tied to the end of the line is thrown over a sheet wall to catch a fish. All children delight in catching a fun prize.
The history of the bon dance dates back to over 500 years ago in Japan. Buddhist transcripts tell a story of a devout monk who danced with joy when releasing the spirit of his mother from the realm of hungry ghosts. The tradition was first introduced to Hawai‘i in the early 19th century, when Japanese immigrants traveled from their homeland to the islands in search of a better life on the sugar and pineapple plantations. As these immigrants made Hawai‘i their home, their traditions and customs became a part of Hawai‘i’s melting pot culture.
The bombing of Pearl Harbor in World War II nearly ended the celebration of obon season in Hawai‘i. Heightened attitudes and tensions towards Japan continued to be high and many Japanese living in Hawaii, including the Reverend at the Koloa Jodo Mission, were interned. The tradition of bon dance was resurrected through the effort of Japanese-American veteran groups, who revitalized and grew the ceremony into a event that all residents look forward to, whether of Japanese ancestry or not.
The remaining 2018 bon dance schedule is as follows:
When attending a bon dance, it’s important to remember to be patient. Each week’s bon dance is highly anticipated and draws a large crowd, meaning parking and long food booth lines can be a challenge. It’s best to get there early to eat and also find a nice seat to spectate. All are welcome to dance in the ring, whether you are dressed the part or not. Local courtesy is to wait until the prior song is finished before entering the ring and follow the movements of the person in front of you. Remember that this is a spiritual ceremony and it should be treated with the utmost respect.
The bon dance is a time honored tradition on Kauai, one that all can appreciate from young to old. It is an experience that will never be forgotten, and you may find yourself longing for a flying saucer long after your return home.
Luxuriously relaxed and casually chic, Oasis is a boutique that reflects the pleasures of the resort experience and the beautiful elements that make Hawaii special. Explore Oasis Lifestyle and you’ll discover our unique jewelry collection, great accessories, treasures for bath and home, and favorite basics in fresh, lively colors.
The master craftsmen of Martin MacArthur have been making fine Koa furniture in Hawaii for over 50 years. Today, our store at Kukui’ula features a variety of products handcrafted with Hawaii’s beautiful Koa wood. Enjoy our Koa wood watches, Koa Eternity Rings, Koa sunglasses and fine Koa jewelry. We also have the widest selection of Koa boxes & bowls, Koa outrigger canoes, Hawaiian feather lei and weapons made by the finest craftsmen in Hawaii. Come see our handcrafted Koa-leather handbags and wallets.
The Malie boutique offers their own Hawaiian luxury spa & beauty brand along with a diverse, sophisticated collection of women’s resort wear for the Hawaiian way of life. Founded on the island of Kaua’i, Malie Organics is an extraordinary line of all-natural, organic spa and beauty products embodying the magnificence of Hawai’i and its tropical flora. With a rainbow of beautiful products, the boutique fits wonderfully in this shoppers’ paradise.
Mahina offers their own extraordinary line of contemporary women’s clothing unique to island lifestyles. Voted “Maui’s Best” for the last six years in a row, this “affordable beachy chic boutique” offers perfectly edited collections of soft, breezy sundresses, wearable tops, and accessories in a welcoming environment for women who love to shop.
Halelea Gallery features a unique and incredible collection of original fine art, Hawaii fashion design and amazing locally handcrafted jewelry. Each Hawaii artist and designer is carefully chossen to create exclusive and one of a kind pieces that truly reflect the islands. A colorful and friendly environment provides a truly authentic Hawaiian shopping experience.