Floating Lanterns Festival in Hololulu, Hawaii

The Lantern Floating Hawaii Memorial Day is held at Ala Moana Beach.This inter-faith event was first held in Hawaii on Memorial Day 1999; and it has grown to become one of the largest observances of the holiday in the United States. At the 2013 event, tens of thousands of people gathered to witness the launching of six thousand floating lanterns bearing the prayers and remembrances of those who came to commemorate their lost loved ones. Lantern Floating Hawaii was the first Shinnyo-en lantern festival held outside of Japan; and it is an amazing event! The stage on which the ceremony is performed is so massive, it actually extends from the shore of Magic Island out over the water. There are traditional Japanese and Hawaiian music and dance performances throughout the ceremony, which lasts approximately 1.5 hours in its entirety. The Head of the Shinnyo-en Buddhist Order, Shinso Ito presides over the entire ceremony and offers a message of peace, gratitude, and connectedness along with a history of the origins of Lantern Floating Hawaii. Then comes the actual launching of the lanterns… The fire within the lantern is said to represent purification; and the water on which it floats symbolizes consolation. When mixed, these elements make for a powerful experience that keeps the light of remembrance burning bright in the hearts of the living while also bringing healing and renewal. Undoubtedly, countless people find comfort through the observance of the event and/or the act of floating their thoughts and prayers with thousands of others in one ocean.

Lantern Floating Hawaii is a ceremony where all can come together for a personal and collective moment of remembrance, reflection, and offering gratitude to those who have gone before us. It is a chance to be surrounded by the love, understanding, and support of others – even strangers. We are strengthened as a community as we reach out to support others and build understanding of our common values and experiences.