Our Oahu: Upcoming This May

Event:
Lantern Floating Ceremony
With the theme "Many Rivers, One Ocean - Interconnectedness," the 19th-annual Lantern Floating Hawaii (LanternFloatingHawaii.com) honors deceased loved ones and generates hope for the future. At sunset on May 29, some 7,000 candlelit lanterns will illuminate the shore at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Activity:
Lei Day Festivities
Since 1927, Lei Day has blossomed into one of Hawaii's most popular floral fetes. On Oahu, the May 1 celebration will add splash to Kapiolani Park with music, hula, exhibits, workshops and a lei-making contest.

Shopping:
Wearable Art
Slated for May 17 at Hawaii Theatre, MAMo Wearable Art Show will showcase native Hawaiian artists and cultural practitioners presenting everything from tattoos to contemporary designs. The PA`I Foundation's (PaiFoundation.org) monthlong event also rolls out with juried exhibits, trunk shows and night markets in Waikiki and Kakaako.

Culinary:   
Eat The Street in Kakaako  
On the last Friday of each month, Eat the Street (EatTheStreet.com) transforms Kakaako Gateway Park into a food frenzy with 40-plus vendors serving up local-style nosh in a high-energy food truck rally setting. Retailers, crafters and entertainers are icing on the culinary cake.

Insider Tip:
"The light of lanterns that we see before us connects us with our loved ones who came before us. The act of floating lanterns that we see before us symbolizes our intentions to put our thoughts into actions. The light of the lantern symbolizes wisdom; water is a symbol of compassion." - Her Holiness Shinso Ito, Head Priest of Shinnyo-en

The Details