Observed on the last Monday of May, and unofficially marking the beginning of summer, Memorial Day is an American holiday that originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971 and honors the men and women who have fallen in service to their country. But in Hawaii, with its diverse population and cultures, traditions become adopted and assimilated. It is the norm not just to place flowers and offerings on the grave sites of those who served their country, but others who have passed away as well. And since 1999, at least on the island of Oahu, the most famous way to honor loved ones who have passed is with a visit to the annual Lantern Floating Hawaii.
Held every Memorial Day on Oahu’s southern shore, this event brings together more than 50,000 people at Ala Moana Beach Park — joined by thousands across the globe via live streaming and telecasting — for a magical evening that honors loved ones, creates a sense of community, and generates a collective hope for the future.
This year, approximately 7,000 lanterns will be released onto the water in a magical display of light and love, with the setting sun as a magnificent backdrop.
Individuals from across the islands come together for a personal and collective moment of remembrance and reflection. Guests will be surrounded by the love, understanding, and support of others as they honor those who have meant the most to them.
Those wishing to personally float a lantern can do so by visiting the Lantern Request Tent at Ala Moana Beach to pick up a single individual lantern on the day of the event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or until the lanterns run out.
Because the lanterns are limited and many people would like to have the opportunity to remember their loved ones this way, sharing one lantern per family or group is recommended. Many names and messages can be carried on a single lantern and can add to the sense of oneness the organizers of the event hope to create.
During the ceremony, which starts at 6:30 p.m., six large main lanterns that carry prayers for all spirits on behalf of everyone are released into the ocean. At the same time, the collective remembrance lanterns that hold remembrances and affirmations received ahead of time from across the globe are released as well as those who choose not to float an individual lantern. These lanterns are floated by volunteers from the canoes and from shore.
Those who have received an individual lantern will personally place them into the water during the ceremony.
After the ceremony, every effort is made to retrieve each and every lantern from the water. The lanterns are cleaned and stored to be refurbished in future years, and the remembrances and prayers are removed and handled in a proper and spiritually respectful manner.
Whether you want to release a lantern of your own to honor loved ones who have passed or simply want to experience the magic of watching thousands of lanterns floating in the Pacific Ocean, the annual Lantern Floating Hawaii is one of the most breathtaking, moving events you will ever experience.
Time & Date: Monday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m.
Address: Ala Moana Regional Park,1201 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI, 96814
For more information, visit their website or follow them on Facebook. Have you ever attended the annual Lantern Floating Hawaii event? Are you planning to attend this year? Sound off in the comments below.
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