Thousands expected to turn out as Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony makes full return

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - Preparations are underway for the full return of the Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony, which will make its full return at Ala Moana Regional Park on Memorial Day.

Much smaller versions of the gathering have been held during the pandemic.

“We’re extremely grateful for the cooperation of everyone,” said Charlene Flanter, co-executive director of the Na Lei Aloha Foundation. “We hope that people feel that it’s well worth offering this time and space for people to feel together.”

The Lantern Floating ceremony, held every Memorial Day, honors loved ones who have been lost.

Thousands of lanterns ― each bearing personal messages ― illuminate the waters off Ala Moana Beach Park and then are gathered up by volunteers in the water.

The in-person ceremony was canceled for the past three years due to the pandemic but was replaced with special broadcasts and virtual ceremonies.

This year’s event, which is free to the public, is set to begin at 6:30 p.m.

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