You're Invited to Hawai‘i Care Choices’ 22nd Annual Celebration of Life Lantern Floating Event

We invite the community to the 22nd Annual Celebration of Life Lantern Floating Event on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Reed’s Bay Beach Park in Hilo from 3:00 PM to 7:30 PM. As the Big Island’s largest lantern floating event, this free gathering brings together more than 2,500 attendees each year for an evening of remembrance, healing, and connection.

The program will begin with a traditional Bon Dance, led by the Hilo Bon Dance Club and Tsukikage Odori Kai Dancers, marking the opening of the Obon season. The evening will feature mele, hula, chant and blessings, along with multi-faith prayers and live music, culminating in a moving lantern release at sunset. Families are invited to personalize luminaries, which will be gently set afloat in the waters of Reeds Bay in honor of their loved ones.

Event highlights include luminary decorating tents, Bon Dance for all, local food vendors, andagi donuts, special event t-shirts, community resources and live cultural performances.

Free parking will be available at Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium, with continuous shuttle service to and from Reed’s Bay between 2:00 PM till 7:45 PM.

Personalized luminaries are available for purchase online from April 15 to May 22, and at the event while supplies last. Pop-up luminary sales will also be held at KTA Puainako for the first  three weekends in May from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Proceeds support hospice families and bereavement services provided by Hawai‘i Care Choices.

Join us for this special evening of remembrance, unity, and aloha. For more information, visit www.hawaiicarechoices.org/celebrationoflife and follow us on social media.