Kaua‘i Hospice Lanterns of Love Returns, Community Memorial Lights Up

Kaua‘i Hospice is inviting families and community members to participate in the 5th Annual Lanterns of Love, a public memorial installation that will be lit on site starting December 15 and remain on display through January 15. Walking hours for the installation are typically 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., providing residents nightly opportunities to visit and reflect. Organizers are taking orders for wooden hearts and reservations for lanterns, with limited availability for reserved placements. Proceeds and donations will support Kaua‘i Hospice programming.

The event combines ceremony with fundraising, allowing community remembrance to directly sustain local end of life and bereavement services. For many families, especially those grieving recent losses, public memorial spaces can offer collective comfort and a sense of connection. The installation creates a structured, accessible setting for quiet remembrance during a period of year when emotions can be heightened.

From a public health perspective, community memorial events help normalize grief and foster social support, which are important determinants of mental wellbeing. Kaua‘i Hospice relies in part on community contributions to maintain programs that assist patients and families at the end of life, and the Lanterns of Love serves both as outreach and revenue. Limited availability of reserved lanterns makes early reservation important for anyone who wants a designated placement.

The event also raises questions about equity and access to ceremonial spaces and services. Community fundraisers can be inclusive gathering points, but they also risk excluding those with limited resources if reserved elements carry costs. Ensuring that memorial events and hospice services remain accessible to residents across income levels is a policy and community priority that affects overall health equity on the island.

Residents who wish to participate are encouraged to contact Kaua‘i Hospice directly to learn about ordering, pricing, and reservation procedures as soon as possible due to limited lantern availability. The installation offers a chance for neighbors to grieve together, support local care providers, and reaffirm community ties during the holiday season and into the new year.