Ka’u Floating Lantern Celebration
KRHCAI’s 2nd annual Floating Lantern Celebration
Thanks to the combined efforts of chairman Rey Javar, the KRHCAI board of directors, our guest performers, the generous donation and kokua from Pacific Quest, and the numerous hardworking volunteers, Kaʻu Rural Health Community Association, Inc. enjoyed its second successful annual Floating Lantern Celebration on Saturday, November 24th 2012.
Welcomed by blue skies and pleasant weather, the event was host to quite a few participants from last year’s celebration, but also to many first time visitors from around the world. In keeping with the sense of community spirit and togetherness, participants shared a potluck meal as they sat and crafted their lanterns, writing personal messages to their loved ones.
KRHCAI was also fortunate to have a selection of entertainers who generously donated their time and talents in adding to the positive ambiance of the floating lantern celebration. Chase Cabudol and Patrick Kahele treated the audience to Hawaiian music, Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko group graciously delivered three engaging and pulse driving performances, and the senior citizens of Hannah’s Hula Halau from Ocean View captivated audience members with their graceful and charming dance numbers.
Hui Okinawa Kobudo Taiko Group
Hannah’s Hula Halau from Ocean View
As the day drew to a close, participants made their way to the sand at Medicine Pond, and with a pensive, reverent bearing, launched their decorated lanterns in the pond.
Framed between the crashing ocean waves and the solemn mountains in the distance, the placid water of the Medicine Pond provided participants a perfect backdrop for reflection and emotional healing, as they shared a quiet moment to fondly recall memories of the friends and family members who were inscribed on their lanterns, and also written indelibly, in their hearts.
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. 