Puʻunoa Beach
4:00pm – 5:30pm

Arrival, lantern-making, and music

Host

Taylor Kim

Details

Guests are welcomed to the beach, with lantern-making stations, local food trucks, and live Hawaiian music. Supplies and guidance are provided for all ages.

Puʻunoa Beach
5:30pm – 6:15pm

Opening ceremony and prayer

Facilitator

Jordan Lee

Details

Bells ring across Lahaina, followed by a traditional Hawaiian chant and a moment of silence. Community leaders and cultural practitioners offer words of remembrance.

Puʻunoa Beach
6:15pm – 6:45pm

Lantern release

Guide

Morgan Rivera

Details

Participants gather at the shoreline to release lanterns into the ocean, honoring loved ones and sharing messages of hope. All are invited to join in reflection.

Puʻunoa Beach
6:45pm – 7:00pm

Circle of Illumination

Coordinator

Avery Chen

Details

A unity circle forms on the sand, with candles and soft music. Attendees are encouraged to connect, share, and support one another in a peaceful setting.

Puʻunoa Beach
7:00pm – 8:00pm

Lantern recovery and cleanup

Lead volunteer

Casey Tran

Details

Volunteers and guests help collect lanterns and clean the shoreline, ensuring the beach remains beautiful and safe for all. Supplies are provided.

Puʻunoa Beach
All evening

Community gathering

Support team

Riley Park

Details

Enjoy time with friends and family, connect with local organizations, and learn more about ongoing recovery efforts. Everyone is welcome.

About the Light March

The Light March is a peaceful procession guided by Kumu Kamaunu Kahaiali‘i, a respected cultural practitioner and lifelong resident of Lahaina. This optional activity is one of many experiences offered during the Lights for Lahaina event on September 6, 2025 to support our community’s healing journey following the 2023 wildfire. The Light March invites participants to walk together in reflection, carrying light as a symbol of hope and remembrance.

A Note of Care ❤️‍🩹

The Light March may be an emotional experience, and for some it may be difficult. Please know this is just one of many opportunities tonight to reflect, connect, and heal.

If you choose not to participate in the Light March, we invite you to enjoy the variety of other activities at the Lights for Lahaina event, including live entertainment, food, keiki activities, informational booths, and the Lantern illumination station (refer to the Event Program).

Together, each step and each light shared brings strength to our Maui ʻohana, honoring those we carry in our hearts and walking with hope for the days ahead.

The Route & Shuttle Transportation

Participants will take Polynesian Adventure shuttles from the south side of Maria Lanakila Catholic Church to Pu‘unoa Beach, where Kumu Kamaunu will share a short presentation. From there, walkers will journey back to the church—approximately one mile—passing by various Lahaina landmarks that hold special meaning for the community.

BOARDING TIME: Participants will board Polynesian Adventure shuttles promptly at 6:50 p.m. on the south side of Maria Lanakila Catholic Church. The ride to Pu‘unoa Beach will take about 5 minutes.

ROUTE DETAILS: The walk is approximately 1 mile and will take about 1 hour at a gentle pace. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as part of the route includes walking on sand at Puʻunoa Beach. At the shoreline, the community will gather for a shared moment of light and remembrance.

  • Begins heading southeast along Pu‘unoa Beach
  • Continues along Front Street and transitions to Papalaua Street for moment of reverence
  • Ends at Maria Lanakila Church to continue Lights for Lahaina

DURATION: about 1.5 hours in total

What You Should Know Before Joining

  • LANTERNS & GUIDANCE: If you are not carrying a lantern or other light source, lights will be provided. Light ushers will walk with the group to help guide and support participants along the route. Please walk carefully and remain on the planned route.
  • SAFETY: Members of the Maui Police will be part of the procession, helping to lead the group and ensure everyone’s safety along the route. For safety and respect, the group must remain together. Please do not wander or leave the route.
  • SUPPORT: Health professionals will be present to walk with participants and offer assistance if needed.
  • ACCESSIBILITY: If you are not physically able to walk the route, you are welcome to take the shuttle to Pu‘unoa Beach, experience the presentation, and return by shuttle to the church.
  • WATER STATIONS: The Rotary Clubs of Maui will provide water stations along the route.
  • RESTROOMS: There are no restrooms or portable toilets along the route. Please use the relief stations at the church before departing.

Have questions about the Light March? 

Feel free to reach out below. Our team can support you with any questions you may have.

Puʻunoa Beach
4:00pm – 5:30pm

Arrival, lantern-making, and music

Host

Taylor Kim

Details

Guests are welcomed to the beach, with lantern-making stations, local food trucks, and live Hawaiian music. Supplies and guidance are provided for all ages.

Puʻunoa Beach
5:30pm – 6:15pm

Opening ceremony and prayer

Facilitator

Jordan Lee

Details

Bells ring across Lahaina, followed by a traditional Hawaiian chant and a moment of silence. Community leaders and cultural practitioners offer words of remembrance.

Puʻunoa Beach
6:15pm – 6:45pm

Lantern release

Guide

Morgan Rivera

Details

Participants gather at the shoreline to release lanterns into the ocean, honoring loved ones and sharing messages of hope. All are invited to join in reflection.

Puʻunoa Beach
6:45pm – 7:00pm

Circle of Illumination

Coordinator

Avery Chen

Details

A unity circle forms on the sand, with candles and soft music. Attendees are encouraged to connect, share, and support one another in a peaceful setting.

Puʻunoa Beach
7:00pm – 8:00pm

Lantern recovery and cleanup

Lead volunteer

Casey Tran

Details

Volunteers and guests help collect lanterns and clean the shoreline, ensuring the beach remains beautiful and safe for all. Supplies are provided.

Puʻunoa Beach
All evening

Community gathering

Support team

Riley Park

Details

Enjoy time with friends and family, connect with local organizations, and learn more about ongoing recovery efforts. Everyone is welcome.