North Hawaii Hospice to host eighth annual floating lantern ceremony

North Hawaii Hospice will host its eighth annual floating lantern ceremony from 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday (Aug. 26) at the Fairmont Orchid.

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 event offers people an opportunity to acknowledge those they’ve loved and lost in such a meaningful way,” says Katherine Werner, 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 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.

For additional information, call North Hawaii Hospice at 885-7547 or visit www.northhawaiihospice.org.