I first started paying attention to lei when a friend on O‘ahu pointed out that the yellow ‘ilima blossoms used for a traditional lei take hundreds of individual flowers to complete a single strand. That number alone — hundreds — shifted how I saw every lei I’d ever photographed. Lei Day, first celebrated in 1927, was created specifically to honor the art of lei-making and Hawaiian culture, and it remains one of the best entry points for understanding why these garlands carry so much more weight than their appearance suggests.
It takes hundreds of ‘ilima, a yellow mallow, to create one lei.
This article covers the cultural roots of lei-making, the specific plants tied to each Hawaiian island, and how visitors can engage with the tradition respectfully — including what to look for and what to avoid. By the end, you’ll know why a real lei has nothing to do with the orchid strands sold at airport kiosks.
Lei-making is a living practice rooted in botany, genealogy, and place — not a souvenir. The orchid lei you see in tourist shops are not part of traditional Hawaiian culture. If you want a real experience, seek out a workshop led by a local practitioner or attend a Lei Day celebration. Just know that some native plants are now rare, so you may receive a lei made from alternative materials or even a gift of salt instead.
Understanding Lei Across the Islands
Each of the main Hawaiian islands claims a specific plant or flower for its lei, and those choices reflect both what grows there and what that plant means culturally.
Cultural travellers
Botany enthusiasts
First-time visitors wanting depth
On Kaua‘i, the sweet anise-scented pua mokihana is strung with the dark leaves of laua‘e, a woodsy fern native to Makana mountain. Because the flower is increasingly rare, pa‘akai — Hawaiian salt from Hanapēpē and Waimea — is often gifted instead of a lei. On O‘ahu, the official flower is the yellow ‘ilima, a mallow that takes hundreds of blossoms for a single lei and was traditionally consumed to ease childbirth pain. Moloka‘i is associated with the kukui, or candlenut tree — its tiny white flowers, hearty leaves, and polished nuts are used in lei, and the nuts themselves were once used as fish bait and ground into a relish called ‘inamona.
On the Island of Hawai‘i, the volcanic goddess Pele is said to have met her lover wearing a lei of lehua (vibrant ‘ōhi‘a tree blossoms), ‘ōlapa, maile, and ‘awapuhi (wild ginger). Lehua blossoms emit a soft fragrance and are known in local tradition to ensnare rain along mountain tops. Maui’s lei motifs include lehua, ‘iliahi (sandalwood), and lokelani (damask rose). Lāna‘i and Kaho‘olawe both feature limu (seaweed) in their lei traditions — an ingredient that was once an integral part of the traditional diet and is now used in modern dishes like poke and even cocktails.
One limitation worth noting: due to industrial sugar cane and pineapple mono-cropping, and a historic lack of Indigenous agricultural autonomy, many native plants are now under threat. Some are extinct, surviving only in mele (chants and songs). That’s why you might encounter a lei made from non-native or alternative materials — it’s not inauthentic, it’s adaptive.
Where to Experience Lei-Making
Lei Day Celebrations
Lei Day, held annually on May 1st, began in 1927 as a way to honor Hawaiian culture and the art of lei-making. It’s not a tourist event — it’s a community-wide celebration where schools, parks, and cultural centers host lei-making contests, hula performances, and plant identification walks. On O‘ahu, the main celebration happens at Kapi‘olani Park near Waikīkī, but smaller events take place on every island. If you’re visiting in late April or early May, this is the single best window to see the range of materials and techniques used across the islands.
Workshops with Local Practitioners
Lei maker Langi, featured in a profile by Ke Alaka‘i, describes lei-making as a bonding experience: “My friends and family who visit ask to make lei with me, and a lot of people have made lei with me for the first time.” He works with materials including crown flower, plumeria, puakenikeni, stephanotis, tiare, song of India, and ti leaf. He notes that techniques vary — leis can be twisted, bent, folded, opened, or closed depending on the occasion. For kids, he recommends candy leis, which are practical and much-appreciated. Workshops led by practitioners like Langi are available through community centers and cultural organizations; look for ones that emphasize the meaning behind the materials, not just the mechanics.
Botanical Gardens and Cultural Sites
Several botanical gardens on O‘ahu and the Big Island maintain collections of native plants used in lei-making. The Lyon Arboretum in Mānoa Valley runs guided walks that identify maile, ‘awapuhi, and other species. On the Big Island, the Hawai‘i Tropical Bioreserve & Garden near Hilo includes a section dedicated to plants traditionally used for lei. These gardens are also where you’ll hear about the ecological pressures facing native flora — a sobering but essential part of the story.
Lei maker Langi once declined payment for a lei he made, explaining that making leis is a way to show aloha — something done purely from the heart. If you take a workshop, offer to pay, but understand that many practitioners see this as a gift, not a transaction.
Practical Planning for Lei Experiences
Timing, access, and expectations matter more than you might think when planning to engage with lei culture.
| Experience | Best time | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Lei Day (May 1) | Late April – early May | Large community events, lei contests, hula. Crowded but authentic. |
| Workshop with practitioner | Year-round, book ahead | Small group, hands-on, materials provided. Expect to learn plant names and meanings. |
| Botanical garden walk | Morning, dry season | Guided identification of native plants. Less hands-on but strong ecological context. |
Getting There
On O‘ahu, Kapi‘olani Park is walkable from Waikīkī hotels. For workshops outside Waikīkī, you’ll need a car or rideshare. On the Big Island, the Hawai‘i Tropical Bioreserve is about a 15-minute drive from Hilo. Public transit is limited on most islands, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
If Lei Day is your goal, book accommodations by February — hotels near Waikīkī fill up. For workshops, dry season (April–October) is more comfortable, but indoor workshops run year-round. Avoid assuming that any week will have a workshop available; many practitioners teach by appointment only.
Commercial lei stands at airports and tourist hubs often sell orchid rings that have no connection to Hawaiian tradition. They’re not made with native plants, and the flowers are typically imported. If you want a real lei, buy from a local vendor at a farmers market or cultural event.
On the Ground: What to Know Before You Go
Materials and Meaning
Every plant in a lei carries meaning. The maile lei, for example, was reserved for chiefs and special ceremonies — its sweet scent was believed to attract blessings. The lehua flower symbolizes strength. Stephanotis is often recognized as the Hawaiian wedding flower. Crown flower was the favorite of Queen Lili‘uokalani. These aren’t decorative choices; they’re a language. When someone gives you a lei, the plant selection communicates something specific about the occasion and the relationship.
Local Etiquette
When receiving a lei, accept it with both hands and a slight bow. Never remove a lei in front of the giver — it’s considered disrespectful. If you’re attending a ceremony or celebration, it’s appropriate to wear a lei you’ve received. Avoid wearing a lei you bought at a souvenir stand to a cultural event; it signals that you don’t understand the difference.
Packing for a Workshop
Most workshops provide materials, but if you’re visiting botanical gardens or planning to gather your own plant materials (where permitted), you’ll want a lightweight daypack to carry clippings and a water bottle. A reef-safe mineral sunscreen is essential for outdoor events — the Hawaiian sun is intense even on overcast days.
- Seek out workshops led by local practitioners, not commercial tour operators.
- Lei Day (May 1) is the best entry point, but book early and expect crowds.
- Native plants are under threat — don’t pick flowers without permission, and understand that alternative materials are a sign of adaptation, not inauthenticity.
Lei Making on the Hawaiian Islands: Your Questions Answered
What is the difference between a traditional Hawaiian lei and a tourist lei?
A traditional lei uses native or culturally significant plants like ‘ilima, maile, or lehua, and is made with intention for a specific occasion. Tourist leis are often orchid rings made from imported flowers and sold as souvenirs — they carry no cultural meaning.
Can I take a lei-making class as a visitor?
Yes, but look for classes taught by local practitioners through community centers or cultural organizations. Avoid hotel-sponsored activities that focus only on the craft without explaining the meaning. A good class will teach you plant names, techniques, and the stories behind them.
Is it okay to wear a lei if I’m not Hawaiian?
Yes, if it was given to you or made in a respectful context. Wearing a lei you purchased from a street vendor to a cultural event can be seen as insensitive. If someone gives you a lei, wear it with gratitude — and don’t remove it in front of them.
Why are some native lei plants becoming rare?
Industrial sugar cane and pineapple mono-cropping, combined with a historic lack of Indigenous agricultural autonomy, have pushed many endemic plants to the brink. Some are extinct and survive only in chants and songs. That’s why you might receive a lei made from non-native materials or a gift of salt instead.
What should I do with a lei after I receive it?
You can wear it for the duration of the event or day. After that, you can hang it to dry, return the plant materials to the earth (burying them is traditional), or compost them. Never throw a lei in the trash — it’s considered disrespectful to the giver and the land.
Closing
The next time you see a lei, notice what it’s made from — and ask who made it. That single question opens a door into a tradition where botany, genealogy, and aloha are woven together in a way no souvenir ever could. For a deeper look at how storytelling and oral tradition shape Hawaiian culture, explore this guide to mo‘olelo.
Sources and further reading
The cultural richness of lei making. Ke Alaka‘i, 2024.
Lei and Foodways. Bon Appétit, 2023.
The Science of Lei Day: Native Hawaiian Plants and the Cultural Botany of Celebration. Discover Wild Science, 2024.
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