Floating Lantern Ceremony to Benefit Hospice

North Hawai`i Hospice will hold its second annual floating lantern ceremony Sunday at the Kohala coast.

The ceremony, which is a benefit for the non-profit organization, will be held at the Coconut Grove at the Fairmont Orchid, Hawai`i resort from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

It will include live music, hula, taiko drummers and Hawaiian chanting, followed by the sunset lantern release into Pauoa Bay.

Lantern floating is an Asian spiritual tradition symbolizing the wish for all beings to live in peaceful coexistence. As the lanterns are released onto the ocean, they are accompanied by healing prayers to honor and remember those who have passed.

Organizers of the event said the lanterns are collected at the end of the release. The bases are saved, and the lantern papers are collected, dried and burned in a respectful manner.

Last year’s event drew more than 500 participants.

Admission to the ceremony is free. 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 is available. Car-pooling is encouraged.

For more information call North Hawai`i Hospice at 808-885-7547 or visit www.northhawaiihospice.org.