Hawaiian Leis

Appropriate Occasions

Leis are appropriate for formal events such as weddings, graduations, any other special occasion. You should give leis for more informal situations, too.  They express friendship.  Sometimes they are used for social and political events.  They are also included in many religious ceremonies.

Types of Leis

Lei-making and giving is not just a Hawaiian practice.  All Polynesians use some form of lei, whether it is made of flowers, shells, seeds or feathers.  Hawaii's leis, however, are distinctive in their use of materials and how they are created.

Some leis are very special, particularly those made of long-lasting materials.  They may become heirlooms.

Most of the common leis are made out of flowers.  They have a relatively brief life.  The flowers are strung on a cord.  The result may be a simple strand of plumeria blossoms from a backyard tree, or an orchid lei with hundreds of blossoms that has been carefully crafted by an expert.

Traditional leis designs are supplemented by many new designs that emerge from the many local lei shops every year.

Giving and Receiving a Lei

It is traditional to present a lei along with a kiss on the cheek.  This shows that you are giving the lei with feeling.

Making a Lei Last

If you aren't going to give a person a lei right away, or if you have received a lei and want to wear it the next day, use the following procedure to extend the life of the flowers.  Note that some flowers wilt very quickly.  Others, such as orchids, last for many days if treated properly.

• Keep the lei in a closed plastic bag.  It shouldn't be too tight.  
• Put the plastic bag in a paper bag.
• Put the bags, with the lei inside, in a refrigerator
• Sometimes leis come in stout plastic trays that have a hinged lid.  This is equivalent to the closed plastic bag.  Just put this container in the refrigerator.

Places to Buy a Lei

• Airport
• Chinatown
• Elsewhere

A Few Facts

Dendrobium orchid leis for adults can range from having as few as 60 flowers to 250 or more.  The price is generally proportional to the number of flowers.

Books

Bird, Adren J. and Josephine Puninani Kanekoa Bird.  1987. Hawaiian Flower Lei Making. University of Hawaii Press.

Ide, Laurie Shimizu.  1998. Hawaiian Lei Making Step-By-Step Guide. Mutual Publishing Co.

McDonald, Marie. 1995. Ka Lei -- The Lei of Hawaii. Booklines Hawaii, Ltd.

Ronck, Ronn. 1997. The Hawaiian Lei: A Tradition of Aloha. Mutual Publishing Co.

Lei Day

Lei Day is nearly 75 years old.  Don Blanding published an article in the paper early in 1928 suggesting a holiday that recognized the Hawaiian lei-making and wearing custom.  Grace Warren followed up with the suggestion that the holiday be on May 1, the traditional date for May Day.  She coined the phrase that we still use today "May Day is Lei Day."  The idea caught on quickly, for the first Lei Day was May 1, 1928.

One of the highlights of the Lei Day celebration is the lei-making competition sponsored by the City and County of Honolulu.  The entries are on display in Kapiolani Park near the shell.  This continues the tradition of lei-making demonstrations, exhibits and contests.

Photos (use just the ones you want)

Harriet's Lei Stand, Honolulu International Airport

Lei Day 1999

(Randy Akau, first place, novice division, green lei)