Hawai`i Care Choices is Celebrating 40 Years of Compassionate Care across East Hawai`i. You will not want to miss this year’s Celebration of Life being held at Reed's Bay Beach Park, on Sunday, May 28^th from 3:30p – 7:30pm. This very special celebration will honor the memory of loved ones passed while recognizing countless healthcare workers who’ve proudly served these families with the deepest heartfelt Aloha for many years.

For the first time, we will present the Laying of the Mat Ceremony to prepare the beach with special ocean mats to make access easier and safer for all ages in the launching of the luminaries (lighted lanterns.) The sound of the Pu (conch), and ʻOhe Hano Ihu (Hawaiian nose flute) will beckon all to the bay as the Men of Pa’a and the students of Youth Challenge will chant for the protection and safety of all who enter the Bay. Multi-faith blessings will follow, with the opening protocol provided by Mālama ka pili pa’a. Once lanterns are released into the water, all will join hands to sing in unity-- Hawaiʻi Aloha.

Luminaries to decorate are available for purchase online starting April 3^rd through May 26^th and at the event for $25. Luminaries are available for pickup Mon-Fri from 8:30am – 4pm from the Hawai`i Care Choices headquarter office, located on 1011 Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo. Luminaries did sell out last year. So, we encourage everyone to get one (or two) as early as possible since only limited quantities will be available on the day of the event.

Additionally, we are pleased to announce that after a three year hiatus, the Hilo Bon Dance Club and Tsukikage Odori Kai Dancers return to open the Celebration of Life with the FIRST Bon Dance of the Obon Season in remembrance of those who’ve passed on. The ever popular Bon Dance is family friendly with easy to follow dances for all ages to enjoy! The official Obon Event Towels and Event T-shirts will be available for purchase online starting May 1^st and at the event while supplies last. After the Bon Dance, wonderful live music will fill the air across Reed’s Bay with performances from our island’s talented celebrities.

Food trucks will be offering delicious faire throughout the event, in addition to shave ice and the traditional bon dance treat -- andagi donuts. From hot food to sweet desserts, various food trucks will be offering ono-licious food starting at 2:30pm.

All parking will be at the Civic Auditorium with free continuous shuttles beginning at 2:30pm to Reed’s Bay until 6pm. Return shuttles to the civic from Reed’s Bay will begin immediately following the lanterns release.

Mark your calendars to join us on Sunday 5/28/2023. For more information, please check out our website (https://www.hawaiicarechoices.org/), Facebook, and Instagram or email us (care@hawaiicarechoices.org).

FOR LANTERN PICK UP:

1. Pick-up your lantern at our 1011 Waianuenue Ave. office (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm) if you did not purchase them in-person.

2. Take it home with you and decorate it with the memories of your loved ones.

3. Bring it back on the day of the event, 5/28 at Reed's Bay Hilo, and be part of Big Island's largest water lantern ceremony.

19th Annual Celebration of Life

On Sunday 5/28/2023, Hilo's annual Lantern Floating Event with the ever-popular Bon Dance will return at Reed's Bay from 3:30pm to 7:30pm