HONOLULU (KHON2) — The stage is set for the 27th annual Shinnyo Lantern Floating ceremony at Ala Moana Beach Park for Memorial Day 2025.
Every year, thousands of lanterns are etched with messages to loved ones lost and are set off into the water.
People who plan on attending the ceremony should consider arriving early.
Organizers estimate about 30,000 people to be in attendance and say it will be very crowded.
No parking will be allowed at the Magic Island parking lot.
There will be a free shuttle taking people from Olomehani Street in Kakaako to Magic Island starting at 7 a.m. and the last one will leave Magic Island at 9 p.m. Organizers said the shuttles are unable to accommodate strollers, wheelchairs and carts.
There will be 50% off parking at Ala Moana Center for people attending the event. For more details, click here.
Ala Moana Blvd will also be closed between Atkinson Dr. and Piikoi from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Monday.
There will be no food or drink vendors on site, and organizers recommend people bring plenty food, water and shade.
Lanterns are a first-come, first-served basis and the lines can get long in the early morning hours.
There will be 6,000 lanterns available and the tent opens at 7 a.m. There will also be a halau opening the ceremony.
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For more information about the event, click here.