North Hawaii Hospice will have its ninth annual North Hawaii Hospice Floating Lantern Ceremony from 5-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at Fairmont Orchid on the Kohala Coast.
The ceremony brings together hundreds of residents and visitors to release lanterns into Pauoa Bay at sunset in commemoration of loved ones who passed on. This community event also celebrates the cultural heritage of Hawaii with live music, hula, taiko drummers and Hawaiian chanting.
“While the journey of grief can be isolating for so many, this ceremony allows people to come together in shared community to remember those they’ve loved and lost,” says Katherine Werner Brooks, executive director of North Hawaii Hospice. “The strength and support they receive from this evening is profound.”
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 will be provided for a suggested donation of $10.
Food and beverage will be available for purchase, and complimentary self-parking will be available, while carpooling is encouraged.
For more information or reservations, call toll-free 800-257-7544 or visit www.fairmont.com/orchid-hawaii/.