KOHALA COAST, Hawaii: Supporters of Hospice, mark August 26th down in your calendar.

Thats the day when The Fairmont Orchid will play host to the second annual floating lantern ceremony to benefit North Hawaii Hospice. The event falls on a Sunday, and will be held from 5:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

The ceremony takes place at Coconut Grove at the AAA Four Diamond luxury resort, and will include live music, hula, Taiko drummers and Hawaiian chanting and will be followed by a sunset lantern release into Pauoa Bay.

“This is truly a remarkable event.” shared Katherine W. Ciano, MHA, RN and Executive Director of North Hawaii Hospice, in a media release. “We were overwhelmed at the over 500 participants who were able to enjoy last year’s event (right) and are looking forward to partnering once again with The Fairmont Orchid to honor and remember those who have passed.”

North Hawaii Hospice says lantern floating is an Asian spiritual tradition that symbolizes the wish for all beings to live in peaceful coexistence. As the lanterns are released onto the ocean, they take with them healing prayers to honor and remember those who have passed. Lanterns are collected at the end of the release, the lantern bases are saved, and the lantern papers are collected, dried, and burned in a respectful manner.

Admission is free, and floating lanterns for inscribing messages and decorating will be provided for a suggested donation of $10.00. Organizers say food and beverage will be available for purchase, and complimentary self parking will be available, carpooling is encouraged.

Additional information may be found by calling North Hawaii Hospice at 808-885-7547 or online at www.northhawaiihospice.org

North Hawaii Hospice is a community based non-profit hospice organization that helps seriously ill patients and their loved ones maintain quality of life even at the end of life.