Kaua‘i Hospice turns on Lanterns of Love through January 2022

LIHU‘E — While there was no loud cheering, hearts and spirits soared when the switch to hundreds of illuminated lanterns was pulled Wednesday night at the Kaua‘i Hospice offices on Pahe‘e Street, adjacent to the Kaua‘i Island Utility Cooperative offices.

There were no large crowds gathered due to the COVID-19 guidance of avoiding large gatherings, and individuals were face-masked and maintained a semblance of social distancing while quietly conversing amongst themselves as the illuminated lanterns pierced the darkness and danced in the cool night air of the Kukui Grove West industrial area.

Families, individuals and groups can become involved with the lanterns by remembering loved ones who have passed away, donating wooden hearts emblazoned with their names. These are created by the Kaua‘i Hospice’s Ari Brun and her family and, when completed, hung onto one of the many lanterns ringing the Kaua‘i Hospice building.

Tricia Yamashita, Kaua‘i Hospice executive director, said this is the second year for the Lanterns of Love that will be illuminated nightly through Jan. 31. Viewers can visit from 6 to 9 p.m. daily to remember loved ones, reflect and spend a quiet moment.

The Lanterns of Love takes the place of the pre-COVID-19 Trees of Remembrance that were located in several prominent places around the island. Individuals and families could remember loved ones who passed through donations for specially crafted ornaments that were hung on the trees.

It also takes the place of the annual Candlelight Vigil that was held to remember loved ones at several different locations around the island.

The lanterns also take the place of the annual July 4 Concert in the Sky event that was a signature fundraiser for Kaua‘i Hospice, with its Fun Zone of activity for young and young at heart, live entertainment, food and the signature pyrotechnic displays set to music. COVID-19 did an effective job of closing down the event, where thousands would gather at Vidinha Stadium for the hours-long gathering.

These styles and orders can be found on the Kaua‘i Hospice website, kauaihospice.org/lanterns-of-love.