(BIVN) – North Hawaii Hospice held its annual Floating Lantern Ceremony at the Fairmont Orchid on Sunday, October 4th.
As per tradition, participants were invited to gather at the Fairmont’s Coconut Grove to decorate a lantern in honor of a loved one, in an atmosphere of remembrance and connection, before setting the lantern into Pauoa Bay at sunset.
The event was originally planned for August 23, but was postponed due to forecasted weather conditions, as well as the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Lala.
“We believe grief is a journey that is often easier when shared,” stated a news release shared ahead of the event. “This event is free and open to anyone, as grief does not discriminate. We welcome you to join us, to find comfort among others who understand and be part of a community tradition that brings us together to honor the love and memories that continue to shape each one of us.”
North Hawaii Hospice provides “compassionate, high-quality care to seriously ill patients and their families in their homes in North and South Kohala and the Hamakua Coast”, offers counseling for those coping with loss, and provides education and planning for end-of-life issues.
