Hawaii Care Choices, formerly Hospice of Hilo, is celebrating 40 years of compassionate care across East Hawaii and will be hosting the 19th Annual Celebration of Life at Reeds Bay Beach Park from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 28.
Hawaii Care Choices, formerly Hospice of Hilo, is celebrating 40 years of compassionate care across East Hawaii and will be hosting the 19th Annual Celebration of Life at Reeds Bay Beach Park from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 28.
This special event will allow hundreds of families to honor the memory of their loved ones that have passed and recognize countless healthcare workers who have served and continue to serve these families for the past four decades.
The event will have various food trucks and activity booths from local businesses and nonprofit organizations. There also will be entertainment and performances throughout the day.
In addition, the 2023 Obon Season for the entire island will begin at this event as the island’s famous Hilo’s Bon Dance Club from the Meishon Temple will engage the audience — for the first time in three years since the pandemic — with fun and popular bon dance selections.
The official ceremony will begin once the beach is prepared with special ocean mats for the safety of participants across all ages. After prayers and blessings of multiple faiths, they will be able to launch their beautifully and lovingly decorated lanterns. The event serves not only as a memorial, but also as an opportunity of healing, for many grieving community members.
Luminaries to decorate are available for purchase online at the Hawaii Care Choices website until May 26. They are $25 while supplies last. They can be picked up from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Hawaii Care Choices headquarters office located on 1011 Waianuenue Ave. in Hilo.
All parking will be at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium with free continuous shuttles beginning at 2:30 p.m. to Reeds Bay until 6 p.m. Return shuttles to the civic from Reeds Bay will begin immediately following the lanterns release.
For more information, please check Hawaii Care Choices website www.hawaiicarechoices.org or call (808) 969-1733.
Please note that staff and volunteers collect all lanterns released into the water after the ceremony to prevent any ocean pollution.
