Magnificent Mochi

Anko (sweet azuki bean paste) is stuffed in mochi balls at Kona Hongwanji Temple on Saturday. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)

Margaret Masunaga forms Kagami mochi at Kona Hongwanji Temple Saturday morning. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)

Kaz Kurasaki, left, Betty Takeoka, Mary Katayama and Shirley Matsuoka form mochi balls Saturday.

Jordan Ciriako, left, feeds sweet mochi rice through the “pounding” machine while Kelsey Katayama gathers the mochi paste for forming.

Mark Inouye places pots of mochi rice over the steamer Saturday morning at Kona Hongwanji Temple. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)

Jana Maunaga carries a tray of mochi to the packaging station at Kona Hongwanji Saturday morning. (Laura Ruminski/West Hawaii Today)

KEALAKEKUA - Volunteers made over 1,000 pounds of Mochi Saturday for Kona Hongwanji’s annual New Year’s sale.