On Sunday, May 28, we participated at the annual Celebration of Life hosted by Hawaiʻi Care Choices. The evening at Reeds Bay Beach Park was full of light, love and laughter. It was such an honor to be a part of such an iconic celebration.
Hawaiʻi Care Choices celebrated 40 years of compassionate care for those on Hawaiʻi Island. The evening, centered around the lantern floating, is an event to remember loved ones who have passed, honoring their life and lives they've touched. Hawaiʻi Island summer’s are also beloved for its annual Obon Festival and Hawaiʻi Care Choices was happy to kick off the season opening with an Obon Dance at their Celebration. The night was filled with food trucks, games, decorating of the lanterns, and live music.
Waiākea’s Kōkua Initiative was elated to be a part of the celebration. The Waiākea ʻOhana was able to cast our own luminary lanterns in honor of loved ones' past, dance to the Obon music, work the hydration station, and play fun games with our community and keiki. We even got a visit from Mayor Mitch Roth who stopped by to say hello and show his support by passing out water to keep our community well hydrated and refreshed.
The Waiākea water bottle ring toss was a hit! We were able to send many home with fun prizes consisting of Waiākea Water stickers and fidget toys. Keiki were also able to “go fishing” at our booth and our team was happy to put up a good battle with the fishermen!
Hawaiʻi Care Choices Celebration of Life was full of lots of love and shakas, and the Kōkua Initiative is honored to continue to support organizations that emulate love, appreciation, and care. Mahalo to our Waiākea ʻOhana and the Hilo Crescent City Lions Club for all of your hard work and support for this event.