Hawaii's 28th Lantern Floating Needs Volunteers May 25

Every Memorial Day, thousands of glowing lanterns drift across the waters of Ala Moana Beach as families honor those they've lost. This year marks the 28th time Hawaii will host this breathtaking ceremony, and the community helpers who make it possible are needed once again.

The Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony returns Monday, May 25. Volunteers will help prepare and pack lanterns, transcribe heartfelt messages of remembrance, assist attendees during the ceremony, and retrieve lanterns afterward for refurbishment.

"Volunteers play an essential role in bringing Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai'i to life each year," said Rev. Craig Yamamoto, community relations liaison of Shinnyo-en Hawaii. Their time and care create a sacred space where strangers and families alike can gather to remember.

The ceremony has grown into one of the largest Memorial Day observances in the entire country. Yet it remains completely free to attend, made possible entirely by the dedication of community volunteers who give their time to honor others.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this event truly special isn't just the stunning visual of thousands of lanterns floating peacefully across the ocean. It's the quiet connections formed when volunteers transcribe someone's most personal message of loss, or when they gently help a grieving parent place their lantern in the water.

These volunteers don't just set up an event. They hold space for healing, create moments of peace, and help an entire community process grief together in a beautiful, ancient tradition.

How to Help

Anyone interested in volunteering can visit LanternFloatingHawaii.com to submit an inquiry. Questions can also be sent to slfhvolunteer@naleialoha.org for more information about available volunteer roles and time commitments.

When thousands gather on that beach next month, each glowing lantern will carry a story that volunteers helped honor.