HONOLULU — The public is invited to submit remembrances for Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii online starting April 1. Volunteers will handwrite the remembrances that will be placed on candle-lit lanterns set afloat on Memorial Day, May 29.

What You Need To Know

  • Online remembrances open April 1, 2023

  • Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii returns to an in-person event at Ala Moana Beach on Memorial Day, May 29

  • The in-person program will begin at 6:30 p.m. with candle-lit lanterns bearing remembrances, prayers and affirmations set afloat at sunset

  • A 60-minute television broadcast will air live on KHON2 (FOX), KHII and CW from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. HST on Memorial Day

As announced in February, Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii will return to Ala Moana Beach on Memorial Day. During its three-year absence, observances on a smaller scale were available to the public across the temple grounds.

“Over the past three years, we have offered alternative options to the usual in-person event at Ala Moana Beach, to keep people connected with the intent and spirit of Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii during one of the most challenging times for our global community,” said Rev. Craig Yamamoto, community relations liaison of Shinnyo-en Hawaii. “We are grateful to return to an in-person event to collectively reflect on the countless and continuing acts of compassion and heroism over the past few years, share in a moment of collective remembrance and generate hope and a sense of renewal toward the future.”

Rev. Yamamoto said remembrances, prayers and affirmations have come from around the world over the years, and though the ceremony takes place in Honolulu, it “aims to connect our global community to generate hope and express commitment toward building a brighter future,” he said.

The event allows residents, visitors and people from around the world to connect by offering a space — physical and emotional — to experience comfort and healing. Amid the backdrop of worldwide turmoil, people of various ethnic groups, cultures, religious beliefs and practices share in a collective moment of prayer for world peace, for fallen service members and loved ones who have passed on.

The in-person program will begin at 6:30 p.m. with candle-lit lanterns bearing remembrances, prayers and affirmations set afloat at sunset. Information on how to receive an individual lantern to float will soon be available, according to the website.

A 60-minute television broadcast set to air live on KHON2 (FOX), KHII and CW from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. HST on Memorial Day, May 29 will be available for those unable to attend in person. The event website, KHON2.com and their respective social media channels will also simultaneously livestream the event.

The event is officiated by Shinnyo-en, an international Buddhist community with Japanese roots, and is presented by its locally based, social contributing arm, Na Lei Aloha Foundation. For more information, call 808-942-1848 ext. 2 or email info@naleialoha.org.

Sarah Yamanaka covers events, environmental and community news for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.