HONOLULU — Volunteers will begin constructing more than 2,000 lanterns next month for the 12th annual Lantern Floating Hawaii Ceremony.

The event held on Memorial Day brings together more than 40,000 Hawaii residents and visitors from around the world.
They gather at Ala Moana Beach Park’s Magic Island in Honolulu to cast afloat candlelit lanterns at sunset in remembrance of loved ones who have died, or as symbolic prayer for a harmonious and peaceful future.
The ceremony commences with a Buddhist service and continues with performances by Hawaiian and international musicians.
Roy Ho from Na Lei Aloha Foundation says the goal of the ceremony is to inspire people to value each other, and to work together to create a better world.