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.
Want to do your own thing? We have you covered with the best price on Ferry Tickets Only for independent travelers
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.
Have Questions? Please Contact us using the form below!
Airport Lei Greeting
Showing all 4 resultsSorted by popularity
Lanai, Activities & News Posts
More Tips for Your Visit to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary – 1/2 Day Itineraries
Plan Your Visit to the Lanai Cat Sanctuary - 1/2 Day Itineraries 6:30am-1:00pm or 11:00am-5:30pm Tip - Departure time: Answer the question - Am I an Early Bird (6:30am Depart) or not (11:00am Depart)?(Look at Tips for a Full Day 6:30am-5:30pm here.) Getting There -...
Parking at Maalaea Harbor
Quick Info Parking at Maalaea Harbor Managed by Secure Parking, contact phone number 1-808-517-1311 and their website is – https://www.secureparkinghi.com/mbh/ Cost – Parking is all paid parking. Payable via QR Code with your phone or at one of the 6 pay stations....
When Should You Visit Maui?
When Should You Visit Maui? Maui's perfect for beaches, hiking, and soaking up Hawaiian culture. When you go can make a big difference in your trip - here's a quick list of what you need to know. Time of Year: Winter (December to February) This is when Maui gets...
Discover the Beauty of Hulopo‘e Beach on Lāna‘i, Hawaii
Discover the Beauty of Hulopo‘e Beach on Lāna‘i, Hawaii Day trip to Lana'i and discover the Beauty of Hulopo‘e Beach. Nestled on the southern coast of Lāna‘i, Hulopo‘e Beach is a breathtaking gem that embodies the natural beauty and serenity of Hawaii. With its...
The Return of the Humpback Whales to Hawaii 2024-25
The Return of the Humpback Whales to Hawaii 2024-25 Aloha! The majestic humpback whales have returned to Hawaii's warm waters, marking the start of the 2024-25 whale watching season. This annual spectacle has commenced with multiple whale sightings reported. Humpback...
Hōkūleʻa Voyaging Canoe Arrives at Māʻalaea Harbor on Maui: A Celebration of Hawaiian Culture and Wayfinding
Image Credit Polynesian Voyaging SocietyHōkūleʻa Voyaging Canoe Arrives at Māʻalaea Harbor on Maui: A Celebration of Hawaiian Culture and Wayfinding The legendary voyaging canoe, Hōkūleʻa, has made its way to the shores of Maui, docking at Māʻalaea Harbor on Sunday...
UPDATE – Expeditions Ferry Ticket Price Change
QUICK UPDATE - EXPEDITIONS RATE CHANGE FERRY TICKETS Expeditions Ferry has announced a rate increase effective October 5, 2024. Adult Visitor Round Trip is increasing to $132+tax and Child Visitor increasing to $68+tax. Expeditions had not increased their fares for 16...
More Maui Cats Find New Homes After Wildfires
Photo Credit Maui Humane Society More Maui Cats Find New Homes After Wildfires As recently reported in by Maui News in their April 29 news article, the Maui Humane Society (MHS) continues to face a heartwarming challenge: caring for animals displaced by the August...
A Lighthearted Valentine’s Day Conversation on Feline Companionship
A Lighthearted Valentine’s Day Conversation on Feline Companionship Introduction Hey there, fellow pet enthusiasts! Let's have a Valentine’s Day conversation about one of the most beloved companions out there: cats! These fascinating creatures have stolen the...
Why is Whale Watching so Good off Maui?
Why is Whale Watching so Good off Maui? Why is the whale watching so good off Maui? It is because the area between Maui, Molokai, and Lanai holds significant importance to humpback whales during their annual migration to Hawaii. Known as the Auau Channel, this stretch...