The practice of weaving and gifting lei traces back to ancient Polynesian travelers who fashioned garlands from the natural materials around them: leaves, plants, and flowers. Legend has it that lei were treated as good luck charms, woven to wish safe passage during long voyages. Guiding those wanderers was Kuku'ena, sister to fire goddess Pele and the designated goddess of lei-making.
These days, lei continue to be lovingly handmade from various materials such as shells, tī leaves, maile vines, ribbon, orchids, and fragrant blooms like plumeria. They come in vivid colors or soft natural tones, single or double-stranded, each one as unique as its maker. Lei adorn guests of honor for personal milestones and special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and graduations. It’s also a time-honored tradition to greet visitors with lei when they touch down on the Islands. At their heart, lei carry deep meaning including love, honor, affection, friendship, and the warm spirit of aloha.
Since 1928, Hawaiʻi has set aside May 1st to celebrate Lei Day otherwise known as May Day, or Lā Mei. Statewide, communities come together through lei-making workshops, concerts, and cultural festivals, with many schools honoring the occasion by presenting May Day royal courts and special performances. One of the largest free celebrations takes place at Kapi‘olani Park in Honolulu with an annual Lei court designation, including a Lei Queen, and a prestigious lei-making competition with a cash prize.
Lei is presented by bowing and raising the lei to be offered to the recipient. The person being gifted the lei can then smile; hug or cheek kiss the giver in thanks. Lei is usually worn draped around the shoulders or crowned on the head as a head lei or lei poʻo. It is considered polite to remove a lei discreetly and with care, and never discard it in front of the giver.
Keep flower-based lei fresh by storing them in the refrigerator and lightly misting them with water to prevent wilting. Avoid sealing lei in airtight plastic for long periods, as this can cause browning. Preserve a cherished lei by carefully air drying it. If you’re returning a flower/leaf lei back to the local environment, be sure to cut off non-natural materials like string, yarn, and wires.
Support local by purchasing lei from neighborhood vendors or making your own, and skip mass‑produced plastic versions. Try a simple braided ribbon lei using Hawaiʻi Magazine’s guide or explore a tī leaf tutorial from Kamehameha Schools. Guests staying with us can also enjoy complimentary weekly lei‑making classes at select Aqua‑Aston hotels, led by skilled local teachers.
view more activitiesview our hotels
This is not an endorsement of or recommendation for any of the activities, events, or providers. Aqua-Aston Hospitality, LLC or its affiliates (collectively, “Aqua-Aston”) assumes no liability for the products or services furnished by the independent service providers who have no affiliation with the Aqua-Aston business. Additional fees and costs may apply. Activities and events are subject to change. Some activities or events may require the participant to be in good health and have a certain level of skill.