Fairmont Orchid to host Floating Lantern Festival on Kohala Coast

The public is invited to attend the Floating Lantern Festival at Fairmont Orchid, a luxury resort along the Kohala Coast of Hawai‘i Island, in partnership with North Hawai‘i Hospice.

The annual event is scheduled for Aug. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. and will include live music, hula, taiko drummers, Hawaiian chanting and a sunset lantern release into Pauoa Bay.

“It’s incredibly moving to see Pauoa Bay illuminated by hundreds of glowing paper lanterns as our community memorializes loved ones who have passed,” said Fairmont Orchid General Manager Charles Head.

Lanterns are commonly used around the world in ceremonies to inspire remembrance, hope and good fortune. Lanterns are retrieved at the end of the release, the bases are saved and the lantern papers are disposed of in a respectful manner.

“We look forward to this event every year and can’t imagine a more beautiful way to acknowledge those we’ve loved and lost,” said Katherine Werner Brooks, Executive Director of North Hawai‘i Hospice.

Admission to the event is free. Floating lanterns for inscribing messages and decorating will be provided for a suggested donation of $25. While complimentary self-parking is available at the property, car-pooling is encouraged. Lantern quantities are limited and may be reserved in advance at www.northhawaiihospice.org.