Imagine finger weaving fragrant blossoms as the ocean hums nearby and the aloha spirit drapes around you. Lei aren’t just floral necklaces—they’re living threads of Hawaiian heritage, meant to be worn, shared, and honored throughout life’s special moments.
The Cultural Roots of Lei Making in Hawaiian Heritage
Lei originate from the Polynesian voyaging tradition, brought to the islands by early settlers navigating by stars and ocean swells. Over centuries, they evolved into culturally layered expressions of aloha—signaling love, respect, status, and connection to the land and people.
Leis held ceremonial weight, marking everything from royal events to harvests. Today, they remain as greetings, farewells, and beautiful tokens of affection worn for graduation, weddings, or just because aloha never sleeps.
Symbolism in Every Strand
Every lei tells a story through its materials:
- Flowers and foliage: Plumeria and orchids symbolize beauty and friendship. Ilima, once reserved for royalty, carries regal meaning. Pikake suggests romance, while maile vines convey respect and unity.
- Islands: Each island has its own flower and color. Maui’s lei is the lokelani, or pink Damask rose.
- Occasions: Some leis are chosen for specific moments—kukui nut for enlightenment and protection, mokihana for memory, maile for weddings and high honor.
When you wear or gift a lei, you’re sharing unspoken meaning woven into each petal, seed, and knot.
Lei Making Techniques
Lei making is more than craft—it’s intention turned into art. There are several traditional methods, including:
- Kui (to string): Piercing flowers with a needle and stringing them one by one.
- Haku (to braid): Braiding flowers, ferns, or vines into a head lei.
- Wili (to twist): Twisting fibers and blossoms together.
- Hīpuʻu (to knot): Tying leaves or materials into a chainlike lei.
A single kui lei can use 50–100 blossoms for a 40″ length. A wili lei, made with raffia, lets you tuck in flowers as you go until it feels “pau,” or complete.
Lei in Ceremony and Celebration
Leis are present in nearly every part of Hawaiian life:
- Lei Day (May 1): Each island showcases its flower in statewide celebrations. Maui honors the pink lokelani rose.
- Weddings: Couples often exchange maile leis as a symbol of unity.
- Graduations: Students are piled high with leis from family and friends, creating joyful, colorful displays.
- Remembrance: A lei is never discarded in the trash. Instead, it’s returned to the earth—placed in the ocean, left in a garden, or gently unstrung.
How to Make Your Own Lei
Making your own lei is a meaningful way to connect with Hawaiian culture. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose your materials: Plumeria, orchids, pikake, or maile are popular choices.
- Prepare your tools: A 100″ cotton string and a lei needle (or a long, sturdy needle).
- String or braid:
- For kui, tie a knot at one end, pierce blossoms through the center, and slide them down the string.
- For wili, braid raffia and tuck in flowers or leaves.
- Tie with aloha: When finished, knot the ends together with care and intention.
- Respect the cycle: When the lei fades, return it to nature.
Stories in the Lei
Every lei is more than flowers. Families pass down techniques through generations. For many locals, making lei is a way of showing love, gratitude, and respect. Travelers who take part in lei workshops often say it’s one of the most memorable parts of their trip—something that ties them not just to the islands, but to the spirit of aloha itself.
Etiquette and Respect
The giving and wearing of a lei comes with tradition:
- Present a lei by raising it to your heart or bowing slightly.
- Accept a lei with gratitude, and never remove it in front of the giver.
- If not worn, place it somewhere meaningful or return it to nature—never toss it in the trash.
Quick Reference: Lei Symbols and Meanings
| Lei Type | Symbolism | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Plumeria/Orchid | Beauty, friendship | Greetings, celebrations |
| Ilima | Royalty, Maui pride | Island-specific traditions |
| Maile Vine | Respect, unity | Weddings, high honor |
| Pikake (Jasmine) | Love, romance | Weddings, romantic gifts |
| Kukui Nut | Enlightenment, peace | Graduations, protection |
How to Keep a Lei Fresh
A fresh lei isn’t just for the day you receive it — with a little care, you can enjoy its fragrance and beauty for several days. Here’s how:
- Mist lightly: Use a spray bottle to gently mist flowers or leaves with cool water. This keeps petals hydrated without soaking them.
- Refrigerate overnight: Place your lei in a plastic bag (loosely closed so air can circulate) and store it in the fridge. The ideal temperature is around 50–55°F — cold enough to slow wilting but not so cold that it shocks the flowers.
- Wrap in damp paper towel: If a fridge isn’t available, wrap the lei in a slightly damp (not dripping) paper towel and keep it in a shaded, cool place.
- Avoid direct sunlight: Sun and wind dry out blossoms quickly. Only wear your lei outdoors when you’re ready to show it off.
- Handle gently: Always lift a lei by both hands, not by a single string. This prevents stretching and keeps flowers from bruising.
Pro tip: Hardy flowers like orchids, ti leaves, or kukui nut leis naturally last longer than delicate blooms like plumeria or pikake. For events like graduations or weddings, choose sturdier flowers if you want your lei to stay vibrant throughout the day (and night).
Quick Reference: How Long Different Leis Last
| Lei Material | Average Lifespan | Notes on Care |
|---|---|---|
| Orchids | 5–7 days | Very hardy; refrigerate overnight for longest life. |
| Ti Leaf | 5–6 days | Durable foliage; holds up well to handling. |
| Kukui Nut / Seed | Weeks to months | Non-perishable; lasts almost indefinitely. |
| Plumeria | 1–2 days | Very delicate; best worn same day. Refrigeration helps briefly. |
| Pikake (Jasmine) | 1–2 days | Fragrant but fragile; handle with care. |
| Tuberose | 3–4 days | Stays fresh if misted and refrigerated. |
| Maile Vine | 2–3 days | Stays green if kept cool and lightly misted. |
| Ilima | 1–2 days | Thin petals; best for immediate wear. |
Give it a Try!
A lei is never just a necklace. It’s memory, love, respect, and heritage—woven together and draped with intention. Whether you buy one at a Maui market, receive one from a loved one, or make one with your own hands, a lei is aloha in its purest form.