Without question, the most beautiful and moving thing I’ve done on Memorial Day was attend the Honolulu Lantern Floating Festival. The lanterns are free (leave a donation if you like) Stop by the tent and write a message to your ancestors (or whoever you feel you’ve lost) on a paper lantern.
Then, after a spectacular ceremony, attendees light their lanterns and release them into the waters at Ala Moana Beach Park. I had the honor of watching the ceremony from the press stands two years ago, but by far the best part of the evening was walking out into the water at sunset to release my own floating prayers onto the ocean. I made this video from my pictures and as much as I really like it, it barely does justice to the overwhelming beauty of this event.
There’s more about the event here. And if you have the good fortune to be in Oahu for Memorial Day Weekend, this is absolutely worth braving the crowds for.
Ooh, this is beautiful and indeed moving. I would love to attend such a wonderful event one day… and celebrating such a glorious day 🙂