How Leis Celebrate Hawaiian Aloha Spirit

Leis, those beautiful necklaces of flowers, shells, seeds, or feathers, are much more than just pretty decorations in Hawaii. They are tangible symbols of aloha, love, respect, and celebration, deeply woven into the fabric of Hawaiian culture. Giving and receiving a lei is a cherished tradition that embodies the spirit of hospitality and connection that Hawaii is famous for. This article delves into the rich history, significance, and customs surrounding lei giving in the Hawaiian Islands.

The History of Lei: From Ancient Times to Today

The origins of lei can be traced back to ancient Polynesia, long before Western contact. Early Polynesians, who voyaged to the Hawaiian Islands, brought with them the practice of crafting adornments from natural materials. These early leis weren’t just decorative; they were often created as offerings to the gods, signifying respect and reverence. Different materials held different meanings and were chosen based on the specific deity or purpose of the offering.

Over time, the practice evolved. Native Hawaiians began incorporating lei into ceremonies, celebrations, and everyday life. They learned to cultivate native plants and develop intricate techniques for stringing and weaving. The lei became a symbol of status, honor, and affection. Special leis were even created for alii (Hawaiian royalty), often using rare and precious materials.

With the arrival of Westerners in the late 18th century, the popularity of lei spread. Tourists fell in love with the islands and the welcoming spirit of the lei greeting. Today, lei are an integral part of every Hawaiian occasion, from graduations and weddings to birthdays and anniversaries. They continue to represent aloha and celebrate the beauty of the islands.

Decoding Lei Materials: More Than Just Flowers

The materials used to make a lei are carefully chosen and often carry symbolic meaning. While flowers are the most common, lei can also be crafted from shells, seeds, nuts, leaves, and even feathers.

Flowers: Each flower has its own significance. For example, plumeria (frangipani) is a popular choice for its sweet fragrance and beauty, often associated with new beginnings and affection. Orchids represent love, beauty, and refinement. Pikake, a type of jasmine, signifies love and romance and is a favorite for weddings. The lokelani (Maui rose) is the official flower of Maui and represents beauty and transformation.
Shells: Shell leis are often given as a symbol of protection and good luck. The various types of shells used can also have specific meanings, representing prosperity, strength, or connection to the ocean. Niihau shell leis, crafted from tiny, meticulously gathered shells from the island of Niihau, are particularly prized and expensive, signifying rarity and prestige.
Seeds and Nuts: Kukui nut leis represent enlightenment and guidance. The shiny, dark nuts are polished to a beautiful luster and strung together, often given to those seeking knowledge or direction.
Leaves: Maile leis are traditionally used in ceremonies and represent peace, harmony, and respect. The fragrant leaves are often intertwined with other materials or worn open-ended, draped across the shoulders. They are particularly significant at weddings and other important life events.
Feathers: Feather leis, known as lei hulu, are the most prestigious and require incredible skill and patience to create. Historically, they were reserved for alii (Hawaiian royalty) and signified power and status. Making a feather lei is a time-consuming process, involving carefully selecting and attaching hundreds or even thousands of feathers to a base.

The Etiquette of Giving and Receiving Leis

Giving and receiving a lei is a gesture of aloha, and there are certain customs to observe to show respect and appreciation.

Presenting the Lei: When presenting a lei, do so with a smile and a warm greeting. Gently drape the lei over the recipient’s head and shoulders, ensuring it rests comfortably around their neck.
Receiving the Lei: Accept the lei with gratitude and appreciation. It’s considered polite to wear the lei immediately and throughout the event. Avoid removing the lei in front of the giver, as this can be interpreted as disrespectful.
Proper Placement: When wearing a lei, ensure it hangs gracefully around your neck. Avoid letting it drag on the ground or become tangled in your clothing.
Kissing Upon Receiving: It is customary to offer a kiss on the cheek to the person giving you a lei. This gesture is a sign of aloha and appreciation.
Leis for Pregnant Women: It is considered bad luck to give a closed lei to a pregnant woman; instead, give an open-ended lei, symbolizing an open path for an easy delivery.
Disposing of Leis: When the lei is no longer wearable, it’s important to dispose of it respectfully. Returning it to nature is the most common practice. You can hang it on a tree, bury it, or scatter the petals in the ocean. Avoid throwing it in the trash.

Where to Buy Leis: From Grocery Stores to Lei Stands

Leis are readily available throughout Hawaii. You can find them at grocery stores, flower shops, lei stands, and even at the airport.

Grocery Stores: Grocery stores are a convenient and affordable option for purchasing simple flower leis. They often have a selection of fresh leis, although the variety may be limited. Expect to pay around $5-$15 for a basic flower lei.
Flower Shops: Flower shops offer a wider selection of leis, including more elaborate designs and unique materials. Prices tend to be higher than grocery stores, ranging from $20-$50 or more, depending on the complexity and materials used.
Lei Stands: Lei stands are the best place to find authentic, handcrafted leis. The vendors are often knowledgeable about the different types of leis and their meanings. You can find lei stands at farmers’ markets, festivals, and tourist destinations. Prices vary depending on the type and quality of the lei, but expect to pay a premium for craftsmanship and unique materials. Consider ordering in advance for special occasion leis.
Honolulu Airport (HNL): Upon arrival, you’ll often find lei greeters offering fresh flower leis which give you, and exemplify, that ‘Hawaii has arrived!’ feeling.

Recommendation: For the best experience, visit Cindy’s Lei Shoppe in Honolulu’s Chinatown. They offer a wide variety of beautiful, handcrafted leis, and the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Plan to arrive in the morning for the freshest selection. Prices range from $15 for a simple flower lei to $100+ for elaborate designs.

Making Your Own Lei: A Hands-On Experience

Creating your own lei is a fun and rewarding way to connect with Hawaiian culture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a simple flower lei:

1. Gather Your Materials: You’ll need fresh flowers, a lei needle (a long, sturdy needle with a large eye), and string or dental floss. Plumeria, orchids, and carnations are all good choices for beginners.
2. Prepare the Flowers: Remove the stems from the flowers, leaving a small base (about 1/2 inch). This makes it easier to string them.
3. Thread the Needle: Thread the needle with a long piece of string or dental floss. Tie a knot at one end.
4. String the Flowers: Insert the needle through the center of each flower, sliding it down the string. Continue adding flowers until the lei is the desired length.
5. Tie the Ends: Once the lei is the desired length, remove the needle and tie the ends of the string together securely. Trim any excess string.
6. Finishing Touches: Gently fluff the flowers and arrange them evenly around the lei.

Tip: Try soaking the flowers in water for about 30 minutes before stringing them to keep them fresh longer. You can also add greenery or other embellishments to your lei to make it unique.

Cost: The cost of making your own lei depends on the price of the flowers. You can often find affordable flowers at local farmers’ markets or even grow your own. Expect to spend around $10-$20 for the materials to make a basic flower lei.

Lei Giving Occasions: When to Share the Aloha

Leis are appropriate for a wide range of occasions in Hawaii. Here are some of the most common:

Graduations: Leis are a traditional gift for graduates, signifying their accomplishments and wishing them well in the future. Graduates often wear multiple leis, creating a vibrant and colorful display.
Weddings: Leis are an integral part of Hawaiian weddings. The bride and groom often exchange leis as a symbol of their love and commitment. Maile leis are particularly popular for weddings, representing peace and harmony.
Birthdays: Leis are a thoughtful way to celebrate someone’s birthday. Choose flowers that have special meaning or that the recipient enjoys.
Anniversaries: Leis can be a romantic gift for anniversaries, symbolizing enduring love and appreciation.
Welcoming Guests: Giving a lei to arriving guests is a traditional Hawaiian custom, signifying hospitality and aloha. Many hotels and airports offer lei greetings to welcome visitors to the islands.
Farewell: Leis can also be given as a farewell gift, expressing gratitude and wishing someone well on their journey.
Holidays: Leis are often given during holidays such as May Day (Lei Day) and Christmas, celebrating the spirit of aloha and the beauty of the islands.

Beyond Flowers: Uncommon Types of Leis

While flower leis are the most common, there are many other beautiful and unique types of leis. Exploring these different lei varieties provides a deeper appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of lei making.

Lei Hulu (Feather Lei): As previously mentioned, feather leis are considered the most prestigious type of lei. Creating a feather lei is an incredibly time-consuming and intricate process, requiring specialized skills and knowledge. These leis were traditionally reserved for Hawaiian royalty and signify status and power. Authentic lei hulu are extremely valuable and can cost thousands of dollars. A few artisans still practice the craft and their work is highly sought after.
Lei Pupu (Shell Lei): Shell leis are popular for their durability and unique textures. The shells used can vary in size, shape, and color, creating intricate patterns and designs. Niihau shell leis, made from tiny and rare shells found only on the island of Niihau, are particularly prized and can cost thousands of dollars. Other shell leis may incorporate cowrie shells, cone shells, or other types of seashells.
Lei Kukuinui (Kukui Nut Lei): Kukui nut leis are made from the seeds of the kukui tree. The nuts are carefully polished to a smooth, glossy finish and strung together to create a striking and durable lei. Kukui nut leis symbolize enlightenment and guidance, often given to those seeking knowledge or direction.
Lei Ilima: Ilima leis are made from the small, delicate yellow flowers of the ilima plant. These flowers are incredibly fragile, requiring a significant number of blooms to create a single lei. Historically, ilima leis were associated with royalty and were considered to be one of the most prized leis to wear. Ilima leis are more expensive than other flower leis because of the delicate flower and the sheer volume it takes to complete a necklace.
Lei Pikake: Pikake, a type of jasmine, leis are prized for their exquisite fragrance. It takes a significant amount of the tiny Pikake flowers to string a pikake lei. The scent is incredibly intoxicating; one might even call it one of the most intoxicating fragrances that represents Hawaii.

Preserving Your Lei: Keeping the Aloha Alive

If you want to preserve your lei to enjoy its beauty for longer, here are a few tips:

Refrigeration: The simplest way to keep your lei fresh for a few days is to store it in the refrigerator. Wrap it loosely in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag or container. Avoid placing heavy items on top of the lei.
Drying: You can dry your lei to create a lasting keepsake. Simply hang it upside down in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The flowers will gradually dry, preserving their shape and color.
Pressing: Flattening delicate flowers such as orchids or pansies inside of a book to create pressed flowers can ensure the precious memories live on for years to come.
Resin Preservation: For a more permanent solution, consider preserving your lei in resin. This involves encapsulating the lei in a clear resin, creating a beautiful and lasting display. You can find professionals who specialize in lei preservation or purchase resin kits to do it yourself.

Lei Day: Celebrating the Spirit of Aloha

May Day, or Lei Day, is a special holiday in Hawaii dedicated to celebrating the spirit of aloha and the beauty of lei. Celebrated on May 1st each year, Lei Day is a time for communities to come together and share the tradition of lei making and giving. The first Lei Day was celebrated in 1928. People dress in colorful clothing, participate in lei-making contests, and attend festivals featuring Hawaiian music, dance, and crafts. It’s a vibrant and joyous occasion that showcases the unique cultural heritage of the islands. If you happen to be in Hawaii on Lei Day, be sure to join in the festivities and experience the true meaning of aloha.

The Enduring Significance of Lei in Hawaiian Culture

The lei is more than just a beautiful adornment; it is a tangible symbol of aloha, love, respect, and connection. It represents the welcoming spirit of the Hawaiian Islands and the deep cultural values that have been passed down through generations. Whether you are giving, receiving, or making a lei, you are participating in a rich and meaningful tradition that embodies the essence of Hawaiian culture. By understanding the history, significance, and customs surrounding lei, you can deepen your appreciation for the aloha spirit and connect with the heart of Hawaii.

FAQ Section

What is the best way to care for a lei?

The best way to care for a lei is to store it in the refrigerator, wrapped loosely in a damp paper towel and placed in a plastic bag or container. This will help keep the flowers fresh for a few days. Avoid placing heavy items on top of the lei.

Is it disrespectful to remove a lei in front of the giver?

Yes, it is generally considered disrespectful to remove a lei in front of the person who gave it to you. It’s best to wear the lei for as long as possible and avoid removing it until you are no longer in their presence.

What is the significance of a Maile lei?

Maile leis represent peace, harmony, and respect. They are often used in ceremonies and are particularly significant at weddings and other important life events. They are usually worn open ended draped around the shoulders.

How much does a Niihau shell lei cost?

Niihau shell leis are very rare and valuable, and they can cost thousands of dollars, owing to the type of shell, the rarity of the shells and number of strand.

Can I give a closed lei to a pregnant woman?

No, it is considered bad luck to give a closed lei to a pregnant woman; instead, give an open-ended lei, symbolizing an open path for an easy delivery.

References

Amy Stillman, Sacred Groves and Tourist Resorts: Constructing Hawaiian Identity in Performance. Harvard Academic Press, 1998.
Dorothy Barrère, Mary Kawena Pukui, and Marion Kelly, Hula: Historical Perspectives. Bishop Museum Press, 1980.
Ishmael W. Stagner, The Legend of Lei Day. Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 1928.

Ready to experience the aloha spirit firsthand? Whether you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, attending a Hawaiian-themed event, or simply want to share the beauty of lei with someone special, take the time to learn about the rich history and customs surrounding this cherished tradition. Find a local lei shop, try your hand at making your own lei, and embrace the warmth and connection that lei represent. Share your experience with others and help keep the aloha spirit alive!