FIRST PHOTO: For the first time in three years, dancers take part in Kahului Hongwanji Mission’s annual bon dance Friday evening in Kahului. “It’s been a long process through the different problems of the pandemic, but we’re grateful we can do this again and we hope we can keep doing it,” Rev. Richard Tennes said after conducting Friday’s service at the Buddhist temple. The next event on the 2022 Maui bon dance schedule is set for Saturday at Makawao Hongwanji Mission. The service starts at 6 p.m. and the dance at 7 p.m. Bon dances are a traditional Japanese summer celebration to honor and connect with deceased ancestors, especially those who have recently died.

SECOND PHOTO: Cy Yoshizu, member of the Maui Obon Drummers, snatches a twirling drumstick out of the air without missing a beat Friday while helping kick off Kahului Hongwanji Mission’s bon dance.