KRHCAI’s First Annual Floating Lantern Ceremony
On Saturday, November 26, 2011, Ka`u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. in partnership with The American Cancer Society and HMSA, hosted its first annual Ka`u Community Floating Lantern Ceremony at Punalu`u Black Sands Beach Park.
Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko Group
Soka Gakkai International
Kahu Kimo Awai, Hilo Chapter Youth and Women’s Division
Providing entertainment by Taiko drummers, hula dancers, and musicians, the free event was an opportunity for Ka`u residents to come together to honor the past, present and future generations.
Following a potluck lunch, the different families experienced a camaraderie as they worked alongside each other to create and decorate their choice of lotus blossom or box-style floating lanterns to celebrate their own loved ones.
Family members gathered at the water’s edge near sunset and, accompanied by the music of guest singer Keoki Kahumoku, set their lanterns afloat on the surface of Medicine Pond.
Dusk brought with it a sense of peace gently illuminated by the light of a sea of lanterns crafted out of love, as people reflected on the lives and memories of their friends and loved ones.
Ka'u Rural Health Community Association, Inc. 