Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii: A Cultural Journey of Remembrance

Are planning to be on Oahu in May? Then you need to go to the Lantern Floating.

Having lived on Oahu for 9 years, I’m sorry to say that I only got to attend a Lantern Floating once. But I’m glad I didn’t miss it entirely!

The Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony is one of Oahu’s most special events. It happens each year on Memorial Day at Ala Moana Beach Park.

It’s a time when locals and visitors come together to honour their loved ones. Participants reflect on life and enjoy a peaceful evening filled with light and meaning.

This event isn’t just for those with Hawaiian roots. It’s a heartwarming and heartfelt tradition that will give you a chance to remember and connect with others who remember.

The Purpose of the Shinnyo Lantern Floating

At sunset, thousands of floating lanterns are set off into the water. Each one carries a personal message of love and remembrance.

The hand-crafted lanterns are decorated with prayers, names, and memories. They slowly drift out into the ocean, creating a stunning, glowing sight.

Watching these lanterns float is a moving experience. It’s a visual reminder of the people we’ve lost, the relationships we’ve built, and the healing that comes from letting go.

The ceremony is steeped in Hawaiian and Buddhist tradition, but it’s open to anyone who wants to take part. Whether you’re remembering someone close to you or simply there to observe, it’s a time to feel a sense of connection with others.

Despite the large crowd of people at the event, there’s a sense of calm to the event. This combined with the beauty of the lanterns in the water, gave me a sense of peace that I never found at any other event on the island.

It’s also an opportunity to meditate and reflect, while experiencing a side of Oahu’s culture that many visitors don’t get to see.

What to Expect at the Ceremony

The Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony is full of rituals that guide the participants through the experience. The ceremony begins with the sounding of the pū, the Hawaiian conch shell.

The pū signals the start of the event and calls everyone together to share a moment of remembrance.

Next, you’ll hear the Shinnyo Taiko drumming, a rhythmic prayer for peace. The resonant beats invite everyone to focus and prepare for the ceremony’s spiritual significance.

Then, an oli (a Hawaiian chant) is recited to prepare your heart and mind. It’s a grounding moment before the lanterns are set afloat.

A highlight of the evening is the hula performance of Ka Lei Moana, “The Encircling Garland of the Sea.” The dance honours the ocean, a central element of Hawaiian culture and a symbol of life’s ongoing flow.

The entrance of the six Guiding Lanterns marks a key moment in the ceremony. They represent prayers for all spirits and symbolize unity and healing.

The current head Shinnyo-en, Her Holiness Shinso Ito, offers a blessing for the ceremony and participants. This is followed by a ritual offering of food and water for the souls being honoured.

The ceremony concludes with the ringing of a bell. It signals the release of the lanterns into the water, carrying wishes for peace and bringing the event to a close.

The Atmosphere of the Event

Throughout the evening, live music and prayers fill the air. It’s a soft soundtrack to the ceremony. As the lanterns float away into the horizon, the ceremony feels like a quiet pause in time.

It’s a moment to appreciate the beauty of life and memory. It’s hard not to be moved by the peaceful glow of those lanterns.

If you’re visiting Oahu, the Lantern Floating is a chance to experience something unique. And it’s something you won’t find on a typical tourist itinerary.

It’s an experience that will stay with you long after the lanterns have floated out to sea. If you’re in Oahu on Memorial Day, don’t miss this opportunity to witness a beautiful tradition that invites everyone to reflect, remember, and find peace.

History of Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii

Launched in 1999, Lantern Floating Hawaii was born out of a desire to honour the lives of those who have left us. It began small but now attracts thousands of participants each year.

It epitomizes the spirit of aloha. The term signifies love and compassion – it’s an event that’s cherished among locals and visitors alike.

When and Where to Experience Lantern Floating Hawaii

Date and Time

• Mark your calendars for Memorial Day, when Lantern Floating Hawaii takes place each year.
• The event typically begins at 6:00 PM, with the lanterns being released around sunset, creating a stunning visual spectacle that lasts until nightfall.

Location Details

The event takes place at Ala Moana Beach Park. Located near Waikiki, the park is easily accessible.

How to Participate in Lantern Floating Hawaii

Registration and Lantern Preparation

Participation is open to everyone, and registration is typically available online. Upon arrival, you can personalize your lantern at designated stations, where supplies are provided.

This is where the magic happens, as you can inscribe your lantern with names, messages, or drawings that resonate with your memories.

How to Get a Lantern

You may like to take part in the ceremony by floating your own lantern. You can by visiting the Lantern Request Tent at Ala Moana Beach on Memorial Day, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Lanterns are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to get there early. Each family or group is limited to one lantern.

If you’d prefer not to float a lantern yourself, you can submit your messages for the Collective Remembrance Lanterns. Volunteers place these in the water on your behalf. You can submit your remembrances either in person or online.

⁕ Once the ceremony is complete, the lanterns are retrieved as entirely as possible, cleaned and stored for reuse. The messages and prayers are dealt with respectfully.

What to Bring

• Comfortable chairs or blankets for seating.
• Snacks and refreshments.
• Cultural attire is encouraged – think flower leis and aloha shirts. Both can be purchased all over the island. Otherwise, people tend to dress casually.

Parking Information

Parking near Ala Moana Beach Park can be a challenge on event day. Arrive early to secure a spot, or consider alternative lots nearby. Street parking may also be available, but it tends to fill up quickly.

You can park at Ala Moana Center by using the promo code LANTERN for 50% off.

Public Transportation Options

Oahu’s public transportation system is a convenient alternative. Several bus routes service the area, making it easy to reach the park. For those looking for a bit more freedom, bike rentals or rideshare services are also excellent choices.

Local Insights and Tips

• Best Viewing Spots: for the best views of the lanterns, aim for the shoreline. Arrive early to get a good spot.

• Cultural Etiquette: While the event is open to everyone, practicing cultural respect is essential.
  • Dos: engage with locals, learn about the traditions, and participate with an open heart.
  • Don’ts: avoid disruptive behaviour and show respect for the solemnity of the occasion.

• There’s no fee to attend. If you feel moved to make a donation, it will be used in the beautification of Ala Moana Park.

What’s Nearby

Before or after the event, you can explore the nearby Ala Moana Center for shopping or a meal. There may also be entertainment on its Center Stage.

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii isn’t just an event. It’s a heartfelt experience that binds together community, culture, and remembrance. I encourage you to attend, participate, and embrace this beautiful tradition.

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