“When you give a lei, you’re giving your intentions to that person, so lei are given for all sorts of occasions,” said Emily Steele of Hawaii Flower Lei.

The lei dates back centuries to the early Polynesian settlers of Hawaii. The most coveted leis were made of feathers and worn exclusively by royalty.

What is Lei Day? Also celebrated on the first day of May, Lei Day honors Hawaiian leis, a type of garland or wreath often worn as a necklace that is made up flowers, leaves, shells or feathers.

Sometimes she made necklace leis by stringing the gardenias together using a needle and thread, as is common throughout Hawaii, but often she braided the flowers with lauhala, dried leaves from ...

Hawaii isn’t just about breathtaking beaches, lush landscapes, and tropical sunsets — it’s also a vibrant hub of culture, craftsmanship, and tradition. This island paradise is famous for its ...

Lei Day has been celebrated in Hawaii for almost 100 years, but the importance of leis can be traced back to ancient times.

HONOLULU – Summer Campos and her husband, Carlos, braced themselves before going through their ledger. Lei shops like theirs in Hawaii’s capital are being pummeled by the coronavirus pandemic ...