Magic Island’s Lantern Floating Ceremony Illuminates the Sea Each Memorial Day

I had never actually seen a lantern float before this year. Like the 50,000 other locals present at the festival, I had always wanted to attend the ceremony in person. Although I knew it would be extremely crowded and tough to find parking, I had to go because it was on my bucket list. Walking, biking, bus, or Uber are better ways to come if you live nearby but if you’re coming from far try parking at the Ala Moana Mall across the street which has the added bonus of plenty dinner offerings before or after the ceremony.

Paper lanterns carry messages to departed loved ones as they float out to sea. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

Families took their picnics to the beach early and stayed all day. People were eating barbecue and relaxing in groups under tents decorated with banners and photos of departed family members. It was encouraging to see so many people getting together to celebrate Memorial Day in a meaningful way.

Toro Nagashi, also known as lantern floating, has its roots in Japan’s Buddhist Bon Festival, which respects the deceased. Similar to the Bon Dance, Lantern Floating is now a non-denominational event where residents from all walks of life join together to remember the deceased.

A person holds their paper lantern above the heads of the crowd as they make their way to the water during the lantern ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

The ceremony in Hawaii combines Hawaiian and Japanese customs. In addition to blessings from Shinso Ito, the leader of Shinnyo-en Buddhism and the event’s host, there were hula and taiko drum performances. Anywhere on the beach could view the action on the stage thanks to one of the enormous screens placed along Magic Island.

A woman releases her paper lantern into the ocean. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

Some folks bring their own lanterns and others make them in tents setup to help attendees create them on the beach. I made the decision to skip the activity and simply observe because there was a two-hour wait to get a paper lantern. I watched the people in the crowd as we waited for the ceremony to start at dusk. Some of them were solemn, but the majority were delighted to be a part of the exceptional event. They decorated their lanterns with notes, photos, and even leis. While I waited, I relished reading the messages.

Volunteers light and spread lanterns into the sea for those who cannot be present and instead register for a lantern online. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

When the sun went down, people began lighting their lanterns one by one, and before I knew it, the ocean was awash in shimmering vessels. The experience was beautiful in every way. In addition to paying respect to the deceased, lantern floating brings people together in an atmosphere of peace, friendliness, and aloha. If you haven’t witnessed this event firsthand, I highly recommend adding it to your bucket list!

Every Memorial Day, the Lantern Floating Hawaii celebration takes place on Magic Island. Visit Lantern Floating Hawaii for more details.

Thousands of people gather to participate and watch the beautiful lights of the lanterns as the float in the bay at Ala Moana Beach. (Ronen Zilberman photo HonoluluVibes.com)

All images are under copyright © Ronen Zilberman

by Honolulu Vibes