Celebrating Aloha with the Hawaiian Tradition of Leis on Lei Day

Celebrating Lei Day

Celebrating Aloha with the Hawaiian Tradition of Leis on Lei Day

Every year on May 1st, Hawaiʻi comes alive with flowers, music, and aloha spirit as the islands celebrate Lei Day. This special holiday honors the tradition of giving and wearing leis—beautiful garlands made from flowers, leaves, shells, or even feathers. More than just a symbol of welcome or love, the lei represents respect, hospitality, and a deep connection to Hawaiian culture.

The tradition of giving leis goes back centuries. In ancient Hawaiʻi, leis were used to show rank, honor gods, or mark important occasions. Today, the act of giving a lei remains a heartfelt gesture. Whether it’s to greet a visitor, celebrate a graduation, or bid farewell, each lei carries the spirit of aloha.

Lei Day is more than just flowers and festivities. It’s also a way to recognize the unique beauty and identity of each Hawaiian island. Each island has its own official lei made from a specific plant or flower, each with a distinct color and cultural significance:

• Niʻihau: Known for its rare and delicate pupu (shell) leis. These leis are white and incredibly treasured.
• Kauaʻi: The purple mokihana, a fragrant berry, is the island’s symbol. It’s often strung on a thread and worn around the neck.
• Oʻahu: The bright yellow ʻilima flower represents the island where Honolulu is located. Traditionally, it was a lei for royalty.
• Molokaʻi: The green and silver kukui (candlenut) tree is not only useful but beautiful. Its glossy leaves and nuts form striking leis.
• Lānaʻi: The orange kaunaʻoa vine grows wild and weaves into simple yet vibrant leis.
• Kahoʻolawe: No one lives on this sacred island, but it is still honored with the gray hinahina, a silvery plant found near the sea.
• Maui: The pink loke lani, a variety of rose, is this island’s flower. Its soft beauty is a favorite during Lei Day parades.
• Hawaiʻi Island: Often called the Big Island, it is represented by the bold red lehua, the blossom of the ʻōhiʻa tree.

Lei Day celebrations happen across the islands with hula performances, lei-making contests, music, and community gatherings. Schools often hold pageants where keiki (children) represent each island and share the story of their island’s lei.

As the saying goes, “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi.” Whether you’re on the beach, in the mountains, or far from the islands, May 1st is a perfect time to honor this timeless tradition. Wear a lei, make one for someone special, and share the aloha.

Start Your Visit with Aloha

If you’re planning a trip to Maui, you can make your arrival even more memorable with a traditional lei greeting. Through Lost on Lānaʻi, you can pre-arrange to be met at the airport with a fresh flower lei—an unforgettable welcome filled with warmth and aloha. It’s a beautiful way to begin your Hawaiian experience and carry on the timeless tradition of sharing the spirit of the islands.

Day-Trip to Lāna‘i

A day-trip to Lānaʻi is an easy ferry ride from Maui, departing from Maalaea Harbor.  You can book your day trip itinerary with Lost on Lānaʻi that includes your round trip Maui to Lānaʻi ferry and transfers at the same price as doing it independently. With the added time saving convenience of not having to book the ferry and call the shuttle yourself. Visit the Lāna‘i Cat Sanctuary, Lāna‘i City or Hulopo‘e Beach.

Explore More Maui Activities

Planning your vacation? Please Shop & Book your Maui Activity like a Whale Watch Tour, Day Trip to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary or a Snorkel Excursion direct on our site. We pick the best Maui Activities and let you Book Direct with Real Time Availability and the Best Price Available.

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