Thousands gathered at Ala Moana Beach Park this Memorial Day to pay tribute to their loved ones in the 17th annual Shinnyo-en Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony. I had the opportunity to shoot and edit a video for the Star-Advertiser.
The entire shoot took a couple of hours with the worst part being trying to find parking. After a brief introduction and a small opening ceremony presided over by Her Holiness Shinso Ito, the head of Shinnyo-en, people all around the beach got to light a small lantern bearing messages of love to their departed loved ones and then send them off down the beach.
Having only watched the lantern floating on tv, I can now say that actually being there is a whole different experience. Yes, there’s a feeling of sadness in the air but there’s also a sense of closure, as if the people casting off their lanterns are finally able to say goodbye. It’s a truly unique experience, one that I definitely suggest checking out if you have the chance.
Pro tip: I started experimenting w/ 1080p60 and it is glorious! If you can, definitely watch this video in its highest resolution. You won’t be disappointed!
Steven Tonthat 