Compared to the Honolulu Floating lantern ceremony at Ala Moana this is a very subdued version of the ancient Japanese ritual.
No TV, no thousands of masses, no hawking of wares, no dancing or drumming, etc.
It delivers the same message but on a more somber and personal note.
The lanterns are initially carried on a raft down the Wailoa river to Hilo Bay.
There they are released out into the Bay to float away.