In Remembrance: North Hawai‘i Floating Lantern Ceremony

North Hawaii Hospice held its annual Floating Lantern Ceremony at Pau‘oa Bay at the Fairmont Orchid on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017.

The ceremony included hula, taiko drummers, live music, prayers and the sounding of the pū, or Hawaiian conch shell.

Hawai‘i Island residents and visitors decorated lanterns with drawings, pictures of loved ones, messages, quotes and flowers before lighting and releasing them into the bay just after sunset.

The lanterns are placed into the water with wishes for the peace and happiness of loved ones no longer physically here, while bringing courage and hope in the hearts of loved ones in the present.

The floating lantern ceremony is rooted in Buddhist tradition, but in Hawai‘i has grown to include members of all religions, encompassing aspects of local culture and tradition.

North Hawaii Hospice Floating Lantern Ceremony on August 27, 2017, at Pau‘oa Bay on Hawaii Island.   Photo: Crystal Richard.

North Hawaii Hospice Floating Lantern Ceremony on August 27, 2017, at Pau‘oa Bay on Hawaii Island.   Photo: Crystal Richard.

North Hawaii Hospice Floating Lantern Ceremony on August 27, 2017, at Pau‘oa Bay on Hawaii Island.   Photo: Crystal Richard.

North Hawaii Hospice Floating Lantern Ceremony on August 27, 2017, at Pau‘oa Bay on Hawaii Island.   Photo: Crystal Richard.

North Hawaii Hospice Floating Lantern Ceremony on August 27, 2017, at Pau‘oa Bay on Hawaii Island.   Photo: Crystal Richard.

North Hawaii Hospice Floating Lantern Ceremony on August 27, 2017, at Pau‘oa Bay on Hawaii Island.   Photo: Crystal Richard.