27-05-2025
6K lanterns light the sea at 27th annual Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony
HONOLULU (KHON2) — On Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, Ala Moana Beach will once again be aglow with thousands of floating lanterns as the 27th annual Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai'i ceremony invites thousands to gather in remembrance and hope.
Organized by Shinnyo-en, an international Buddhist community, and presented by its local nonprofit, the Nā Lei Aloha Foundation, this beloved tradition welcomes people of all backgrounds to reflect, honor and connect.
Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii returns to Ala Moana Beach Park
The ceremony's theme, 'Many Rivers, One Ocean,' highlights the ceremony's purpose — to create space for healing and unity among diverse individuals and communities through collective remembrance.
A total of 6,000 candle-lit lanterns, each inscribed with remembrances, prayers and affirmations, will be released onto the waters at sunset, carrying messages of love and gratitude.
Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai'i invites individuals, families and communities of every background to unite in a shared spirit of gratitude, reflection and hope. We are honored to continue this meaningful tradition, fostering connection where renewal and unity embrace all.
Rev. Craig Yamamoto, community relations liaison for Shinnyo-en Hawaii
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Lanterns will be available at the Lantern Request Tent from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
There is no pre-registration; distribution is strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are respectfully asked not to bring homemade lanterns, as official lanterns are designed and tested for safety and environmental protection.
Refurbished after each event, these lanterns are reused annually.
For those unable to receive an individual lantern, the Collective Remembrance Tent will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., allowing participants to submit written messages that will be placed on lanterns floated by volunteers from canoes.
In a new initiative for 2025, military personnel and their immediate families will have access to a dedicated lantern pickup line. This offering honors Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans and Retired Military members who present a valid military ID.
New changes coming to Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii
To ease the flow of the thousands expected, free shuttles will run throughout the day between 800 Olomehani Street in Kaka'ako and Magic Island, starting at 7 a.m., with the final return trip at 9 p.m.
Ala Moana Center will offer 50% off parking through the Premium Parking app using promo code LANTERN2025, which must be applied to avoid ticketing or towing.
QR codes for easy access to this promotion will be posted throughout the area. Accessible parking is available on a limited basis at Magic Island for vehicles with a valid disability permit.
Officiated by Her Holiness Shinso Ito, one of only a few women to have been formally recognized as an accomplished master of one of Japan's Buddhist traditions, the ceremony is a poignant expression of aloha and shared humanity.
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Lantern Floating Hawai'i is free and open to the public; and for those unable to attend in person, the event will be broadcast live on KHON2, KHON+ and streamed on YouTube.
For more details, visit
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