Lantern floating is an Asian spiritual tradition that beautifully symbolizes the wish for all beings to live in peaceful coexistence. As the lanterns are released onto the ocean they take with them our healing prayers for victims of conflict, famine, disaster and disease as well as our hopes for the happiness of all―― past, present and future.

Lantern Floating Hawaii is open to people of any religion, or no religion. It expresses a wish for all beings to value one another and cooperate in creating a better world. On memorial day, over 3,000 candle-lit lanterns will be released onto the ocean. There will also be a chance for you to offer a personal remembrance or prayer for your departed loved ones by placing their names on a lantern . A limited number of lanterns will also be made available to the public (one lantern per family on a first-come-first-serve basis) beginning at 1 p.m on the beach. Your remembrances can also be placed on a community lantern to be released by a volunteer (these requests are accepted until 6 pm).

Lantern Floating Hawaii is free to attend but any voluntary donations received at the beach will be donated to the City & County of Honolulu for the beautification of Ala Moana Beach Park

Protecting the environment is part of what we believe, so each lantern is collected following the ceremony and is cleaned and restored to be used again in the following year. Efforts will be made to clean and return the beach back to normal.

Lantern Floating Hawaii is a unique event that brings together people from all cultures, nations, and faiths. It is one way that we can express our gratitude for the past while looking towards a brighter future. We hope that you will come and share in the experience of this occasion.

Presented by Nā Lei Aloha Foundation and Shinnyo-en