North Hawai‘i Hospice Hosts Lantern Ceremony

More than 500 people attended last year’s floating lantern ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai`i.

North Hawai‘i Hospice will host its sixth annual floating lantern ceremony at the Fairmont Orchid Hawai‘i on Sunday, Aug. 27, 2017, from 5 p.m.-7:30 p.m.  The ceremony will include live music, hula, taiko drummers and Hawaiian chanting and will be followed by a sunset lantern release into Pauoa Bay.

“This is truly a unique and remarkable event,” said Katherine Werner, MHA, RN and executive director of North Hawai‘i Hospice.  “We were overwhelmed at the amount of participants who were able to enjoy last year’s event and are looking forward to partnering once again with the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai‘i to honor and remember those who have passed.”

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 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 beverages will be available for purchase and complimentary self-parking will be available. Carpooling is encouraged.  Additional information may be found online or by calling (808) 885-7547.