The 3rd annual Megabon is coming up Sept. 13 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Leeward Community College.
This cultural celebration, created by JCI Honolulu and Hawaiʻi Todaiji, is designed to support local performers and businesses while rekindling bon dance in Hawaiʻi. The event will also showcase LCC’s educational programs.
“This year marks our third anniversary, and our exciting move to a new home at Leeward Community College — and we have plenty to look forward to,” says Megabon co-chair Jenna Nakagawa. “We are dedicating this year’s celebration to the 80th anniversary of World War II, with special remarks from representatives of the 100th Battalion.”
Doors to the event open at 3:45 p.m. and the program starts at 4:15 p.m. (the event is expected to conclude around 9 p.m.). Attendees can look forward to a new cultural exchange opening ceremony, which will feature both Taiko drum and Hawaiian performances to kick off the festivities.
“We are also honored to present Osaka Expo’s original bon dance, ‘Kono Hoshi no Tsuzuki wo,’” Nakagawa says.
This year’s festival will include more than 100 food and craft vendors. Participating food vendors include Aloha Bento, Corner Rolls, Dave’s Ice Cream Waipio, Reecie B’s Onolicious Local Food, StrEats of Aloha, Takoyaki Yama-chan and more. Craft and snack vendors include Noms, Yo Mama’s Mochi & Snacks, Huff N Puff, Aloha Crisps and more.
Other festival highlights include traditional Japanese festival games; a lively beer garden with beers, sake and Chu-His; and a brand-new White Elephant tent called “Taikomaru’s Treasures,” according to Nakagawa.
Early access passes ($10) — which grant early entry at 3 p.m. — and VIP passes ($50) are available for purchase online. VIP passes include parking at the venue, early access at 3 p.m., an exclusive Megabon Holo card, Megabon tote bag, and VIP lounge access.
No public parking will be available at LCC. To get to Megabon, attendees can take the rail (there’s a rail station at the front of the event entrance), and various nearby lots with free parking and shuttle services will also be available.
To learn more, visit megabonhawaii.com.
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Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
