Lantern Floating Hawaii – Memorial Day

Amazing experience which I was so glad to take part in… My husband and I got there around 8am to wait in line for a lantern which were distributed at 10am. The line gets very long but moves fast as they are extremely organized. Once you receive a lantern, there’s plenty of room for you to decorate and write a message on your lantern. We came back around 6:30pm to see the ceremony and floated our lantern at about 7:30pm. It was truly an amazing and touching experience and we were elated to dedicate our lantern to my late father.

Truly a beautiful way to honor those who have left us. If you are in the area, don’t worry about the crowds, DO IT. You won’t regret it. Just a few tips.
I got there at 7:45 am. There were about 75 people ahead of me. The good thing about being there that early was that I was able to sit under the trees and not in the sun. The line got VERY long but everyone got a lantern. Even those that came around 4pm.
When you enter the water to float your lantern, take off your shoes, especially if you have flip-​flops on. It’s almost impossible to walk with your shoes on. You will probably go in the water up to your hips to get your boat out. Plan accordingly. :-)
Don’t forget the obvious: Umbrella, sunscreen, beach towel, chair, something to read, etc.
And have a great experience. I cried my heart out as I released my lantern. I love you, Mom!

What an experience this day is and I’m glad I was able to be a part of it. Lantern Floating is a moving experience that will bring a tear to your eye. Seeing those embrace over the lost of their loved ones can be touching and then you also have a tear in your eye and find yourself comforting the ones you are with.
Regardless if you lost some do to war, this event is open to all those who have lost someone. Remembrance of family members, significant others, and even pets are written about on the 3 sides of reusable parchment.
Over 50,000 people attend to watch the ceremony and nearly 6,000 lanterns are floated in honor of those who have lost their life. You can go online and write your dedication and a volunteer will float the lantern for you, or you go stand in line and float a lantern yourself. Lanterns are given out from 1000 to 1600 the day of the event.
This is a free event and it’s recommended to give a donation to help support this amazing festival. If you’re in Hawaii for Memorial Day, this is a must see and do.

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I attended the event in 2014 and found it to be a lovely and magical night. Lantern Floating Hawaii is ultimately about the people who get a lantern, write their special messages to deceased love ones, prayers to their God, hopes for the world and much more, and then place it in the water for the tide to take out to sea. At the conclusion of the ceremony, as in past years, all lanterns were collected from the ocean and restored for use in the upcoming years.
It is very much like lighting a candle in a Roman Catholic Church or writing a prayer on a piece of paper and then burning it as you watch the smoke rise to the heavens. What you ultimately take from it is up to you. It comes down to faith. For some the event was just fun, for some symbolic, but, for far more, something very spiritual as you could clearly see in their tears.
I floated a lantern and included messages for many of my loved ones long gone. Do I believe that they will get them? I don’t honestly know. But, I do hope so. All the different people… Every race, color just coming together to share. It’s just so beautiful.

I have to admit I don’t spend a lot of time memorializing — maybe it’s the lingering pain of loss but I just don’t do it much, I’ll acknowledge but I don’t really grieve. Lantern Floating gives you that chance to release your feelings, to honor your loved ones by taking a moment to remember them, and then to light their way as you send your memories out and beyond. Not only is this intensely personal, but when you’re experiencing this with thousands of other people, all sharing these feelings at once, it becomes a truly beautiful expression, and I felt the power of it throughout. It’s not an emotional downer, it’s the purest grief I’ve ever felt, and thereby simultaneously a moment of joy.
So l’m not going to «review» this event — I suppose if it wasn’t executed well and there were logistical issues etc then maybe it’d be worth mentioning, but it’s incredibly well run and clearly spectacular to watch. This is more a function of the times, but the only thing I’d change is if they could ask for some «no photo» time early on. Everyone gets caught up in capturing it all for social media (inclusive) that I think we do lose out a bit on the action itself.
We went to the temple the day prior and wrote out a short message to be included on the wooden boats. In the event we were there again, I’d probably go to the park early for an individual lantern and make it an all-​day event as most others do, just because you have more space and time to reflect on your messages, and you get the chance to launch your lantern personally.

Floating Lantern ceremony is held at Ala Moana Beach (across Ala Moana mall). This was our first time attending this, and it was quite spectacular, there was thousands and thousands of people, they blocked off traffic. This ceremony not only remembers the lives lost overseas by our military, but for those lost in the Nepal earthquake, cancer victims etc. They release candle lanterns and prayers for the lost loved ones.
This ceremony brings all the victims who have lost a loved one, and prayers from around the world to create a remembrance and harmony. Its was nice to see everyone rejoicing and offering support to those who have no one.

This event does not diminish in value as we attend every year. In fact, it increases as we continue to remember those who have gone before us trying to live up to the goodness in their eyes. The reinforcement of those values is our own personal religion for attending every year. That is the intent of the event.
My plan was to get there at 4am when the park opens to get parking and just sit it out to when they open at 10am passing out the lanterns. That didn’t work out. Realizing I over slept, and loved it, I rushed to cook a big breakfast for Gabriel B. and I to eat while waiting in line. It was 6:30am as I drove through the park to see if I could get lucky and score a parking spot. No luck. As I passed the line I was surprised to see how short it was. That got me to park quickly at Ala Moana Mall and cross over. Once i got into the line, I was happy where we were to be at the «U» bend of the line under the shade of the trees with the sign «Line Goes This Way» over head. The people close by were quick to talk about who they were, where they are from and how many times they’ve attended. All were first timers, I was the Sr. of 3 years. I gave helpful answers with tips when possible about the event to their bombardment of questions. 1 couple and 1 lady flew in specifically for this event. 6 locals were determined to participate this year instead of watching the event on tV. All were hoping to heal the hurt they felt inside for loved ones missed. That was the tying bond for all there.
Time went quickly as we continued to talk learning of each other, strangers whom we would not see again. We were on on our way out at 10:20am with our lantern when we learned the line had exited the park. Very glad I got there early and did not have to wait long in the sun. Went home to chill and decorate our lantern.
My next plan was to get there around 2pm, set up a dome beach tent in an area of the park that was somewhat secluded to relax after swimming to snack and play Magic. However, after eating lunch at L&L I felt sleepy wanting nothing more to take a nap and not lug everything out. We went back home, slept, and were back an hour later.
I drove through the park again hoping I could get lucky in parking anywhere. Struck out again. Driving around the mall a few times, I secured a parking spot on the 2^nd floor by Macy’s mountain side. It’s a nice, enjoyable walk from there while the crowd increased as we got closet to the event.
I wanted to see if we could get a spot close to the stage. Not good because the angle just didn’t allow for it. So, we ended up in the same spot as we have in the previous years, a little further Leeward from the first screen that allowed excellent viewing. We were fortunate to be joined with Victoria M., and John N., whom I had been texting through out the day to share this wonderful experience.
The ceremony as always, for this the 17^th year, was spiritually moving. It’s great it is open to all religions although it is presided by the Shinto. A great move on their part taking the higher ground showing this to be more important than religion itself. Let this become the true religion for all.
The floating of the lanterns started on time, though it was after the sun had set. Previous years had the floating occur right before sunset. However, this made it unique seeing different colors of the orange and red to the blue and purples in the sky. It made for a wonderful lasting impression and a release to living a happier life.
As we exited making our way to our parked vehicles we talked about how the event was another smash hit, how great we felt and how much freer we felt too. As I write this almost a week later, I still feel the effects and continue to carry it forth.
Hope more of you can make it next year.

I went here and actually got to be in the water among those with lantern putting them into the sea. It was a beautiful and awe-​inspiring. I know that it isn’t your traditional Memorial Day festival, but it is still to the point and gorgeous. I recommend if you attend don’t sit on the ground because it makes it difficult for others to pass you and you may get stepped on.

This was my very first time experiencing the lantern floating ceremony. It was indeed a very beautiful and peaceful ceremony.
We started off by waiting in the lantern pick up line since 3:30 AM just to get a lantern at 10 AM. We were number 7 in line…
After that we head back home and write our personal messages to the deceased and I went to purchase a beautiful white Micronesia ginger blossom lei to add to the lantern.
We came back to the beach at 6 PM to attend the ceremony and release the lantern at 7:12 PM.
There were so many people there to join in the celebration. Although it was crowded, people were still very friendly and considerate of each other.
Even though I don’t believe in the Shinto religion, I still felt like I enjoyed the experience. I probably won’t plan on coming back since it is a very long and tiresome process.

This event never ceases to amaze me nor does it ever become less emotional.
Thousands of people yet no one seems to be a stranger. We are all here to celebrate, to mourn and to remember those who we love and for a brief moment feel their presence in our hearts, in our souls as we float our lanterns in tribute to those who have left our hearts a bit fuller because they were part of our book of life.
Each year I’m here with many others decorating our floats, eating, laughing, sharing stories and making new friends. This event is truly beautiful and shows how wonderful everyone’s heart is.
This year was extra special and emotional for me. Putting my float together and writing departing words to someone who was taken from me far too soon was overwhelming. As the tears flowed and for the first time I could not control it. It was comforting to have my friends there supporting not only me but each other. The ladies across of us looked at me with a smile and tear soaked eyes giving me the nod that it’s ok. Strangers, showing such compassion and empathy. I did look up to see a photographer taking our pictures. I’m hoping it doesn’t show up anywhere.
My friends chanted in Hawaiian as we walked into the water to launch our floats, that there was breath-​taking, heart melting and so very spiritual.
Simply beautifully. I truly recommend attending this event. If you don’t have anyone, come alone, you won’t be alone for long. Your neighbor becomes your family. Float your lantern and hug the person next to you, whomever it maybe. You just never know what that hug may mean.
I can’t wait to do this again and again and again!

There is no place I would rather spend Memorial Day than on the beach with a few thousand people, participating in a beautiful, peace filled ceremony of remembrance.
While this is a Japanese Buddhist event, the leaders have been kind enough to open it to all who might like to take part. The sight of thousands of lanterns casting their light on gentle waves transcends all beliefs, and is amazingly intimate.
My first experience with the event was well over a decade ago, and was something I just happened to hear about. The beach was filled with people, but it wasn’t the spectacle it is now. The last few years have seen the participant list grow to 40,000 and more, but it is still lovely, and still one of the most inwardly focused experiences I’ve ever had.
There are three ways to participate.
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You can ask for your own lantern, one per family and free of charge (though they are happy for whatever donation you might be willing to give) which you can decorate and dedicate at will. You then take that lantern and place it in the water yourself.
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You can add your smaller dedication to a larger lantern, which is placed in the water by volunteers.
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You can simply go, and be a part of the crowd.
I’ve participated in all three ways, and will say that of the three ways to spend the day, the second and third are my preference. The day I decided to release my own lantern was spent in lines, first to collect the blank lantern, and then to release it at the water’s edge. I was not able to sit back and watch the crowd the same way that I’d done in previous years, and I doubt I’ll do it again that way. Being a part of one of the larger lanterns was very nice, as I was able to send a message out on the water without having to stand shoulder to shoulder with other people who all wanted the same moment of release. I even enjoyed simply sitting back and watching it from far up the beach. It is a beautiful ceremony, no matter where you might be.
Which actually brings me to one more way you can participate.
streams the entire event, and then archives parts of it online. Which means that I’m writing this review a few thousand miles from the event, while watching the event as it happens. While I’d much rather be there in person tonight, I am happy that I have the opportunity to see it again, and even to share it with those that might never get the chance to see it in person.

This event is always an emotional one for me. I have never felt the tranquil that I do when I am here. I love that so many of us can come together to celebrate the life of our loved ones that have passed on.
I do suggest that you come early to pick up you lantern kit. Every year the crowd seems to be growing more and more. And I would park at Ala Moana shopping center or bus it. Parking is scarce once everyone comes to stake their place on the beach early in the morning.
I have been doing the lantern float for 6 years now. When my papi passed away, this was something personal that I could do each year for him. I love him and miss him so much.
For the past two years, the month of May especially has been a very hard month for me. I lost my childhood friend, who later became my better half for 2 ½ years, to a car accident two years ago. Then last year, also in May, my uncle passed away from cancer.
My family and I got there around 11−1130ish. There was already a really long line at the tent. I heard later that they ran out of lanterns early this year. We actually picked up 3 lanterns and took them back to my Primos hotel to decorate there.
I did one for a friend who could not be there to do one for his loved one.
We went back at 6pm to watch the show and wait until they gave the okay to light our candles and let our lanterns float.
It doesn’t matter how long I’ve been participating in this, I always end up crying as I watch my lantern float away. But, I feel so much better later. Like the weight of the world was lifted of my shoulders … It’s hard to explain.
Sure, you can always talk to your loved ones that you’ve lost … But, there’s something about this event that makes it so much more personal.
This is a very beautiful event that I am so very thankful for.
I love you papi :(

I am so sorry that I will not be participating in this years lantern ceremony for my fabulous grandparents, uncles and oldest brother who pass away last April 4, 2014. He and I both served in Vietnam in the mid to late 60’s and agent orange got him and has put my health in bad shape. I
I remember long ago back in 1999 we attended the very first ceremony at Ke’ehi Lagoon. What an experience! I just wish my family could be there again to witness this spectacular event. Only in Hawaii and Japan can this happen.
to my grandparents, especially my obasan who raised me and my siblings, and my brother who I miss dearly. I will see you guys again soon.
Ossss!

Nowadays a little Peace is what is needed the most in the world.
Very few places have so many people being so respectful. It is amazing to be ‘in the moment’ with so many people honoring those that have died and those that have helped us most.
For those that may not know– it is organized by a Buddhist faith group that tries to promote peace in the world. They invite many people to share in a moment of peace and remember the dead.
I have heard that they are trying to help New York City also have an event similar that promotes peace.
It is a very somber and emotional event that is very comforting.

I am so lucky to have heard about this only days before it happened. It’s a beautiful ceremony and even though I didn’t float a lantern personally, I felt so connected to the whole crowd. Well over 40,000 people all gathered to see this and release 6,000+ lanterns… truly a spectacular sight.
Tips: if you want a lantern, arrive EARLY. The tent on the day of will run out. You can visit a few days prior and write your message to be sure you get one.
If you want to get close to the beach to take photos as the lanterns are released, sit near the shoreline – you’ll have to sacrifice seeing the ceremony on stage close up to ever make it to the water. Also, if you’re just taking photos, make sure you RESPECT the people with lanterns to release. Move out of the way and don’t clog up their pathway to the water. Getting in the water to take a goofy selfie just for show is extremely disrespectful (I honestly saw people doing this with duck faces and crooked peace signs). I only took photos, but I made sure to make room for the lantern floaters and not hang out in the water while others were still waiting to get in.
If you’re going in the water for photos, make sure you plan on going at least chest deep. I made the mistake of wearing jeans and ended up having to hold my cellphone in my teeth to get close – there were that many people in the water. Also, plan on waiting at least 20 – 30 minutes just to get to the waters edge. Then another 10 – 15 to get to where you can see the lanterns. So many people!
All in all, I felt how solemn and special this event was. I will definitely be floating my own lantern next year. When you tear up hearing stories from people you have never met, something is being done right.
To keep the love flowing, volunteer to clean these lanterns so we can reuse them year after year!

Beautiful Event and so many people! I do understand why so many people come out for this event and light their lanterns but tonight I was not very emotional about this. I still give it 5 stars though.
Having that many people gathered together in peace is just beautiful. The ceremony was good although I kinda tuned out some of the speakers. I just had a hard time focusing. I really enjoyed the peacefulness and watching people put their lanterns into the water.
I actually was able to watch the ceremony on television over the past weekend and I have to admit, it was a lovely ceremony.
Be ready for the crowds, get there early to find parking or park at Ala Moana and walk over. HPD did some fabulous crowd control and helping cross Ala Moana blvd at the end of the event, complete with closing off some of the street to allow people to cross. Biggest thing is planning ahead to get a lantern if you want, parking, a good spot to watch the show.

The Lantern Floating Festival is a must-​see in my opinion. If you’re a visiting tourist on memorial day weekend, pat yourself on the back for excellent timing! Parking can be hectic, and the crowds may be formidable, but it’s totally worth it! If you’re coming from Waikiki, I would just recommend walking since it’s so close. You can park at the convention center and take a shuttle as well.
Since I was a first timer this year, I had no idea how early you have to go to get a lantern. Of course by 5pm, I had no shot. Silly me! People go so early and some even pitch a tent to make it an all day family beach potluck day, so I would recommend going in the morning to get a lantern. You can always just come back later for the ceremony if you don’t want to stay out all day. The ceremony starts at 6pm, and it consists of a variety of performances, like the Brothers Cazamero and a Shinto ceremony led by the head priestess at a Shinto temple (sorry I forgot the name). We heard testimony from regular participants, and I have to say it was pretty moving hearing just how much the ceremony means to them and allows them to remember their loved ones. In typical fashion, I started tearing up especially because it reminded me of my own grandfather who we lost last year. I really wanted to get a lantern in his memory, but I still felt like I was able to commemorate him by just being there.
Even if you haven’t lost someone, you have to go to this! They allow you to release your lantern around 7pm (sunset). It was beautiful just seeing all the brightly colored lanterns drift out on the water with the sunset in the background… I just felt so at peace. If you’ve seen Tangled, it definitely reminded me of the floating lantern scene! Probably one of the most impressive parts was just that no one was really pushing to put their lantern in. Everyone waited patiently for their turn to let go of their lantern. Picture baby turtles flocking back to sea once they hatch ;p.
If you do get a lantern, I would advise wearing a swim suit bottom or something you can get wet, because you will have to walk out in the water up to your waist if you want to get your lantern out into the cove. Some people put their lanterns in too close to shore and they kept getting stuck because there’s no current or anything pushing them out!
I will definitely be back and hope to make this a regular event.

2013 was our first visit to this event. We wanted to honor & remember a couple of people, so three of us got together and flew to Oahu for the Memorial Day weekend. The event takes place on Memorial Day from 10am to 7:30pm at Magic Island which is part of Ala Moana Beach Park.
OBTAINING A LANTERN:
Head to Magic Island. They start issuing lanterns at 10am. We got there around 9:15am and just stood in line. The line is long, but it does go by pretty quickly once the tent opens. By the time we had lanterns-​in-​hand, it was around 11am. The lanterns are free but you can make a donation there or mail it in. BRING AN UMBRELLA, because majority of the time there are no trees for shade.
Once you reach the tent, there are about 36 volunteers issuing the kits. You sign a waiver and are given a big reusable Lantern Floating Festival bag along with detailed times of the event, and your lantern kit which contains the floating board, lantern paper, and plexiglass rudder. There’s a separate area under the tent used for writing messages on the lantern paper along with numerous volunteers walking around to assist should you have any questions. It is so well-​organized, they should be commended!
FLOATING THE LANTERN:
We returned to the beach around 6:15pm and it was jam-​packed, majority of them spectators not floating lanterns. We high-​stepped our way over legs & beach towels to the shore and stood calve-​high in the water. There was a big and beautiful stage thats partly in the ocean, partly on sand. They showed a video talking about the festival, and performed some taiko drumming. At around 7pm, the sunset was gorgeous. A group of about 4 canoes release lanterns for those who weren’t available to make it there but wanted to float a lantern (sign up was online.) Volunteers then come around to personally light your candle. Around 7:10pm is when they request you float the lantern.
EXPERIENCE:
Its very emotional from the start, when standing in line for the lantern, seeing the numerous people who lost loved ones. I started to get teary-​eyed when writing the message on the lantern paper. The emotions got real intense as soon as we stepped ground onto the beach park later that evening, seeing all the people with lanterns, listening to the calming music. It is very heart-​warming. Even though the crowds were plentiful, everyone was so respectful of each other. Seeing the numerous glowing lanterns calmly floating with a dusk sky in the background, was just breathtaking.

How do you make grown men cry? Have them participate in the Lantern Floating Festival! I believe this was my third visit to this incredibly «moving» event, however this was my first year of having lost someone so close to my heart.
In December of 2012 my Mom passed away peacefully in her sleep. This is something that grown men rarely talk about, but instead we are programed to internalize and bottle it up. Yes, I know my Mom is in a better place and I have comfort knowing she’s no longer in pain. Family, friends, and faith tell me this everyday. Still there was that empty feeling I just can’t explain. Awesome Celebration of Life, Church every week, but I needed more. How about the Lantern Floating Festival…
The Lantern Floating Festival of Hawaii is the largest such event outside of Japan.
This year approx 40,000 people witnessed it. Of that, about 5,000−6,000 participated with floating a lantern in remembrance of a loved one. I was one that chose to float a lantern for Mom. So glad I did!
At least three dozen Unilocalers attended this Memorial Day event. I knew the crowd would be enormous, but the thought didn’t discourage me, in fact, it only motivated me to take a little time off my busy life to do this for someone I love so much.
Shinnyo-​en Hawaii and the volunteers did an absolutely incredible job with organization and keeping the purpose of being here in our hearts. Everyone here had a story to tell. Every experience… Unique.
In the end… The 40,000 people are no longer there. It’s that moment in time when all you feel is yourself and the candle-​lit lantern held in your hands. The memories and life of the loved one overwhelms you. You gently place the lantern in the now calm ocean and allow her to be free. Silence. Tears. Such a beautiful moment.
Tip #1: The decoration of the lanterns with personal messages to loved ones is as moving as the actually floating of the lantern.
Shinnyo-​en Hawaii supplies pens and lantern, but you are welcomed to bring your own pens for your personal touch if you wish.
Write from the heart… No such thing as a wrong message.
Tip #2: Don’t believe that you «must» be here early to get a lamp. In fact, I came in the afternoon and still received my lamp with plenty of time to decorate it under the large tent. It was very organized and everyone very helpful.
Tip #3: This Shinnyo-​en Hawaii event is free and supported by donation. I highly recommend donating whatever you can afford to keep this wonderful event going. Trust.
Unilocal REVIEW #120

I was so touched by this experience… what an amazing night remembering those we love!
This was my first experience at the Lantern Floating Festival and I was amazed at the organization of the event! I didn’t actually get a lantern but I was there early to grab a spot! The large screen made me feel like I was actually ON the stage, even though the actual stage was across the water! The sound and the picture were FLAWLESS and I was able to clearly see the subtitles from about 500 ft away.
We thought parking would be a little crazy but we came about 2 hours early and hung out in the park. We parked at Ala Moana by the old Sears and were able to get out easily.
The events leading up to the release of the lanterns were just as touching. We heard from a Pearl Harbor survivor (quite honestly one of the cutest men ever, besides my opa), a woman who brought the event to California and the religious leader of Shinnyo-​En (I think this is correct…). The Taiko drumming was fantastic and their were dancers and singers also.
The actual release of the lanterns was crowded but touching and very emotional. On the car ride back, Justin and I were talking about how it was the perfect example of cultures working together in harmony. Everyone was so caring and respectful. There was quiet when the religious parts of the ceremony were going on and no one pushed or shoved their way through to the edge of the water.
This event was a PERFECT end to a Memorial Day filled with sunshine and friends. Honoring those we love is an important step to letting go and living in the present.