Floating Lantern Ceremony, Aug. 26

North Hawaii Hospice will host its annual floating lantern ceremony. Courtesy photo.

North Hawaii Hospice will host its eighth annual floating lantern ceremony at the Fairmont Orchid on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Live music, hula, taiko drummers and Hawaiian chanting and will precede a sunset lantern release into Pauoa Bay.

“This event offers people an opportunity to acknowledge those they’ve loved and lost in such a meaningful way,” said Katherine Werner, MHA, RN and executive director of North Hawaii Hospice. “We’re pleased to partner with Fairmont Orchid to offer the community such a moving ceremony that incorporates special touches such as Hawaiian music, hula and chanting. It’s a really unique experience.”

Lantern floating is an Asian spiritual tradition that symbolizes the wish for all beings to live in peaceful coexistence. As the lanterns are released onto the ocean, they take with them our healing prayers to honor and remember those who have passed. Lanterns are collected at the end of the release, the lantern bases are saved, and the lantern papers are collected, dried and burned in a respectful manner.

Admission is free, and floating lanterns for inscribing messages and decorating will be provided for a suggested donation of $10. Food and beverage will be available for purchase and complimentary self-parking will be available; carpooling is encouraged.

Additional information may be found by calling North Hawaii Hospice at (808) 885-7547 or online.