For some, a trip to Hawaii is merely a pit stop on the way to other destinations. For example, if you are flying from California to Japan, spending a few days exploring the 50th State is not unusual. However, if Hawaii is your final destination, but you long to continue on to Japan, I may have the perfect solution: attend a Japanese Cultural Festival in Hawaii.
While most people regard Hawaii as the ideal location for sand, surf and spectacular sunsets, I’m here to tell you that the island paradise is also a prime spot for sashimi, sushi and shave ice (a Hawaiian sno-cone). Take it from someone who was born raised and there, the Islands are chock full of quality ethnic festivals, most notably the Japanese Festivals, which over the years have morphed into world-class events. While some may be larger than others, all of them allow you to learn a lot about Japanese history and culture in a short amount of time.
The event has something for everyone. Exhibits include ikebana (flower arranging) and bonsai (artistically pruned potted trees), which are both magnificent in their simplicity and require years of study and practice, and sumie (ink brush painting), which promotes peace and relaxation. For those interested in more energetic fare, I recommend visiting the judo, kendo and taiko-drumming demonstrations. My favorite part of the festivals is the wide array of food booths, where you can get a taste of Japan without having to deal with a 10-hour flight and customs. You can sample everything from udon (thick Japanese noodles), senbei (rice crackers), manju cakes, sanbaizuke (pickled vegetables) and other regional delicacies. There are also a myriad of hands-on activities, including origami (the Japanese art of paper folding), mochitsuki—a mochi-pounding ceremony (mochi is a sticky rice cake—it’s white color stands for purity, its sticky consistency symbolizes togetherness and its round shape signifies good luck), and the traditional tea ceremony, complete with homemade wagashi (confections). In addition, children may dress up in kimonos, hook a gift with a “fishing pole” at the Fish Pond and compete in a musubi (rice ball)-making contest.
You can also take in daily workshops, which provide information on the finer points of Japanese culture, including proper protocol at formal functions. In Japan males are seated first from eldest to youngest, followed by females, also in descending order of age.
Most of the Japanese Festivals are held during the summer months (June-August) at the state’s largest public parks. The Matsuri Kauai Festival has been held each year on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai since 1985, when Hawaii observed Kanyaku Imin, the 100th anniversary of the arrival of the first Japanese immigrants.
Regardless of the (major) island you visit, you will be afforded the opportunity to attend a Japanese Cultural Festival. If you are visiting Hawaii I would put it on your list of must-see attractions. Not only because it allows you to gain a better understanding of a culture that might be very different from your own, but you are able to do so minus the extra travel time. Many people from throughout the continental United States plan their vacations around the festivals and look forward to participating activities. Next time you are in Hawaii, check one out yourself and you’ll see why.
Information on the Japanese Cultural Festivals, including the exact dates and locations are available at the front desk of major hotels on the islands of Hawaii, Oahu, Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kauai.