Makawao Hongwanji Mission

This review is for the Obon that happens once a year in July.
THE EVENT:
The first thing you encounter is the smell of good food cooking! The menu isn’t really Japanese but local/​Chinese/​American/​Okinawan. They sell nachos, andagi, cotton candy, Spam musubi, boiled peanuts, shave ice, and other snacks, which benefits the church, Cub/​Boy Scouts, and other local businesses. There’s also free games for the little ones.
The dance area is pretty spacious compared to others on the rock. In addition to the dancing they also had a taiko drum performance.
Parking at the church is limited, but there are several lots across the street that are utilized for the event.
FOOD:
Chow Fun — Yowza, this was good! They use the white noodles, along with bacon, ground pork, bean sprouts and green onions. I just added black pepper and shoyu and was good to go. Available in a too tiny tray for $ 3 or a perfect sized quart for $ 7.
Cheeseburger Deluxe — You can smell the burgers being grilled from afar! It’s a deliciously simple burger with customizable toppings. For me, it’s a single leaf of lettuce and mayo. $ 4.50.
OVERALL:
Spacious area, great people watching, excellent food, cool temps.