Floating Lantern Festival
The public is invited to participate in the Floating Lantern Festival at Fairmont Orchid, a luxury resort along the Kohala Coast of Hawai‘i Island, in partnership with North Hawai‘i Hospice. This annual event is scheduled for Sunday, August 20 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. and will include live music, hula, taiko drummers, Hawaiian chanting and a sunset lantern release into Pauoa Bay.
“It’s incredibly moving to see Pauoa Bay illuminated by hundreds of glowing paper lanterns as our community memorializes loved ones who have passed,” reflects Fairmont Orchid General Manager, Charles Head. “The ceremonial release of the lanterns into the water offers a poignant ritual of remembrance and we’re honored to host this event each year. We’re also committed to ensuring a sustainable event by having a team of volunteers collect, clean and repair all lanterns released in our bay for use in future festivals.”
“We look forward to this event every year and can’t imagine a more beautiful way to acknowledge those we’ve loved and lost,” says Katherine Werner Brooks, Executive Director of North Hawai‘i Hospice. “As lanterns are released, they take with them our healing prayers to honor and remember those who have passed. It’s always special to gather as a community to participate in this event.”
Lanterns are commonly used around the world in ceremonies to inspire remembrance, hope and good fortune. Lanterns are retrieved at the end of the release, the bases are saved and the lantern papers are disposed of in a respectful manner.
Admission to the event is free. Floating lanterns for inscribing messages and decorating will be provided for a suggested donation of $25. While complimentary self-parking is available at the property, car-pooling is encouraged. Lantern quantities are limited and may be reserved in advance at www.northhawaiihospice.org.
