Kay Fukumoto Reflects on Maui Taiko’s Lahaina Performances and Healing Through Music
LAHAINA, HI — For the first time since the devastating 2023 wildfires, Maui Taiko returned to Lahaina this month to perform in two powerful events — the Lahaina O-Bon Festival at the site of the destroyed Lahaina Jodo Mission, and the Maui Music & Food Experience, a benefit concert raising funds for rebuilding efforts and youth music programs.
A Return to the Lahaina Jodo Mission
The August 9 O-Bon Festival carried deep emotional weight. Though Lahaina Jodo Mission’s buildings were destroyed in the wildfires, the metal Buddha statue on the property remained untouched.
“It was very touching, very emotional to be able to get back onto the property,” said Kay Fukumoto, founder of Maui Taiko, reflecting on the experience. The festival was co-hosted by Lahaina Hongwanji Mission, Lahaina Jodo Mission, and Lahaina Shingon Mission — all of which are still closed due to fire damage.
The return of traditional Obon dancing and taiko drumming served as a symbol of resilience for a community still mourning the loss of lives, homes, and spiritual spaces.
A Benefit for Recovery and Youth
On August 15, Maui Taiko performed as part of the Maui Music & Food Experience at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. The event raised $200,000 for the Hua Momona Foundation to aid Lahaina’s rebuilding efforts and establish a youth music program in West Maui.
Sharing the bill were Hawaiian music legends Paula Fuga and Ledward Kaapana, funk powerhouse Dumpstaphunk with special guests Ernie Isley and Wayne Baker Brooks, and a surprise performance by Mick Fleetwood.
For the audience, the evening was as much about healing as entertainment, with the ocean waves serving as a natural backdrop to the performances. The benefit series will continue in Chicago on November 7, further extending its reach.
Maui Taiko’s Legacy
Maui Taiko’s performing ensemble spans generations, with members ranging from teenagers to drummers in their 70s. Fukumoto, who has been playing taiko for more than 50 years, said the group’s joy comes from sharing music with audiences who may be experiencing the art form for the first time.
“Just being able to share the music,” Fukumoto said. “And certainly we enjoy doing performances where we can share it with people who perhaps haven’t had an opportunity to see taiko.”
Maui Taiko has long been central to cultural celebrations on the island, and its presence in Lahaina’s recovery reflects the group’s dedication to both tradition and community healing.
The Role of Music in Rebuilding
For Lahaina, the return of taiko drumming and Obon dancing represents more than entertainment. It signals cultural continuity and resilience in the face of loss. With the support of benefit events and community-driven initiatives, Maui Taiko’s performances highlight the power of music to both preserve heritage and inspire hope.
From the rhythms of the O-Bon Festival to the fundraising stage of the Maui Music & Food Experience, Maui Taiko’s return to Lahaina underscores how music can restore spirit and unity in times of hardship. For more stories about music’s role in healing and cultural preservation, follow ChicagoMusicGuide.com.