“May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i... Garlands of flowers everywhere... All of the colors of the Rainbow...” — Red Hawke, 1928

Rooted in the joy of spring and the ancient tradition of honoring Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, Lei Day in Hawai‘i is a vibrant celebration of beauty, friendship, and the enduring spirit of aloha. Brilliant garlands of plumeria, tuberose, orchid, and ilima are crafted with care and shared with love.

The first Lei Day was held in 1928. The Honolulu Star Bulletin observed that the event “recaptured the old spirit of the islands—a love of color and flowers, fragrance, laughter, and aloha.”

On O‘ahu, lei-making contests bloom at Kapi‘olani Park, while the scent of blossoms and the rhythm of hula echo from the Waikīkī Shell. Beloved performers like The Brothers Cazimero carry the celebration forward. “Make a lei, wear a lei, give a lei” remains the day’s open invitation.

Each lei, braided by hand using methods like kui, haku, wili, and hili, is more than an adornment—it is a living symbol of connection, gratitude, and love. It is aloha made visible, offered from the heart.