Hawaiian Leis

Hawaiian leis are known the world over as thea relative newcomer - widely available at airports
symbol of aloha. A member of Captainand hotels.
Cook’s crew first recorded the custom ofThere are very few rules when it comes to
Hawaiians wearing flower garlands in 1779. Today,wearing Hawaiian lei. Anyone can wear one,
wearing Hawaii flower leis is more prevalent thananytime - there need be no special occasion. A lei
ever, among both locals and visitors.is regarded as a celebration of one person's
An Ancient Polynesian Customaffection for another, so it's considered bad form
Early Polynesian voyagers who migrated to, andto refuse one. The proper way to wear a lei is
settled in the islands initially introduced the leigently draped over the shoulders, hanging down
custom to the Hawaiian Islands. Leis were wornboth in front and in back. It is acceptable for one
by these original Hawaiians to beautify themselvesto purchase or make a lei for themselves.
and distinguish themselves from others. TheAirport Lei Greeting
original Hawaiians excelled in the creation ofThe airport lei greeting is now a standard
permanent leis constructed of feathers, ivory,experience in Hawaii. As tourism increased
beads, and even teeth. Often, these leis were anbetween Hawaii and the continental U.S., it
emblem of the ali'i, or ruling class.became customary to present flower leis to
The maile lei was probably the most significant,those arriving or departing all of the islands by air,
because it was the lei of all people, all classes, andcreating a cottage industry of lei construction.
all occasions, but it was especially associated withThese days, visitors experience a traditional
the worship of the gods of hula. It was also usedwelcome to the Islands with authentic Hawaiian
to signify a peace agreement between opposingleis right at their airline arrival gate. Vendors are
chiefs.pre-arranged to distribute Hawaii flower leis and
A Modern Hawaiian Traditionassistance to baggage claim or directions to
With the 20th century advent of tourism to theconnecting island flights.
islands, the lei quickly became the symbol ofA friendly lei greeter stands just outside arrival
Hawaii to millions of visitors worldwide. During thegates at the Honolulu International Airport, Kahului,
"Boat Days" of the early 1900s, lei vendors linedLihue and Hilo airports, holding a welcome sign
the pier at Aloha Tower to welcome arrivingpersonalized with visitors' name on it. These
visitors and locals returning home. Departingvendors offer a Hawaiian-style reception with
visitors would throw their lei into the sea as theirbeautiful, fresh flower leis at an extremely
ship passed Diamond Head, hoping they wouldreasonable price.
return to the islands again some day.May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii
For the residents of Hawaii, the most popularIn Hawaii, May 1st is celebrated as Lei Day, rather
occasions for lei giving are birthdays andthan May Day, as the rest of the world does.
graduations. It is not uncommon for a high schoolThis Festival of the Lei was first held on May 1,
or college graduates to be seen wearing so many1928, when a pair of local artists in Honolulu
leis that they reach higher than the ears. It isencouraged everyone to wear a lei. Festivities
common for locals to have a nut, seed or shell leiwere held downtown with hula, music, lei making
on hand to wear on special occasions.demonstrations, and exhibits and contests.
Hawaii Flower LeisIn 1929, Lei Day was made an official holiday in
Among the flowers used in modern Hawaiian leisthe Territory of Hawaii, a tradition that continues
are plumeria, lehua blossoms, and orchids, althoughto the present. Lei Day, May 1st, remains a state
maile leaves are extremely popular, and remainholiday in Hawaii with festivities and celebrations all
traditional adornments for hula dancers. Today,centered around the Hawaiian lei.
most visitors are only aware of the plumeria lei -