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  • Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i Annual Memorial Day Ceremony - Ala Moana Beach - May 25, 2026

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i Annual Memorial Day Ceremony - Ala M Back to the top

SHINNYO LANTERN FLOATING HAWAI‘I RETURNS TO ALA MOANA BEACH FOR ITS 28TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY

The nation's largest Memorial Day ceremony will honor fallen service members and remember loved ones on May 25, 2026

HONOLULU, HAWAI‘I-- Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i will return to Ala Moana Beach on Monday, May 25, 2026, for its 28th annual Memorial Day ceremony. Guided by the theme Many Rivers, One Ocean, which reflects the shared journeys and interconnectedness of all people, the beloved tradition, recognized as the largest Memorial Day event in the U.S., continues to unite residents and visitors from around the world to honor fallen service members and remember loved ones. The ceremony offers a space for reflection, gratitude, and healing, culminating at sunset as 6,000 candle-lit lanterns bearing messages of remembrance, prayers, and affirmations are set afloat along the shoreline.

"Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i provides a space for our community to come together in remembrance and gratitude," said Rev. Craig Yamamoto, community relations liaison of Shinnyo-en Hawaii. "In moments when the world can feel uncertain and heavy, gathering in

quiet reflection reminds us that we are not alone. Each lantern represents a story, a memory, and a heartfelt expression of love and hope. As these lights float upon the ocean, they reflect the truth that our lives are deeply interconnected, and that compassion for one another is more important than ever. We are honored to offer this opportunity for people to come together in reflection and shared humanity."

Lantern distribution will begin at 10 a.m. at Ala Moana Beach on Memorial Day and will continue on a first-come, first-served basis until 4 p.m., or while supplies last, with no pre-reservation option available. To honor and support those who serve, Shinnyo Lantern Floating

Hawai‘i is once again offering a dedicated lantern request line for military personnel. The dedicated military line is open to Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Veterans, Retired Military, and their immediate family members, who must present a valid military ID to

participate in this initiative designed to offer a respectful and heartfelt opportunity for the military community to engage with the event in a more personal way.

The public will once again have the opportunity to submit remembrances online to be included in the ceremony. Online submissions may be made at LanternFloatingHawaii.com.

Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i is a free, public event officiated by Shinnyo-en, an international Buddhist community with Japanese roots, and presented by its locally-based, community support arm Nā Lei Aloha Foundation. The annual ceremony draws participants from diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, creating a shared moment of remembrance, harmony, and international friendship.

The ceremony will be broadcast live on KHON2 and streamed on Shinnyo Lantern Floating Hawai‘i's official YouTube channel.

For more information on the event, visit LanternFloatingHawaii.com, e-mail info@naleialoha.org or call (808) 942-1848, ext. 2. For more information about Shinnyo-en visit

Shinnyoen.org.

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