What Is Hawaiian Lei? Meaning, History, and Island Spirit
What’s the first thing that pops into your mind when you think of Hawaii?
Chances are, it’s the image of a beautiful flower lei draped around someone’s neck, a smile as bright as the island sun lighting up their face. But beyond just being a tropical accessory, the lei holds deep cultural meaning here in the islands.
What is Hawaiian lei? It’s much more than flowers – love, honor, and connection, all woven together with aloha. Let’s dive into the colorful world of Hawaiian leis, where every petal tells a story.
The Origins of the Hawaiian Lei
When you wonder, “What is Hawaiian lei?”, you’re really diving into a story that spans oceans, centuries, and hearts.
Early Beginnings: From Tahiti to Hawaii
The custom of lei-making was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, those brave souls who navigated by the stars across thousands of miles of open ocean in wooden canoes.
Arriving from Tahiti, they brought with them more than just survival skills – they brought their rich culture, including the beautiful tradition of crafting and wearing leis.
From the very beginning, leis were symbolized status, devotion, and connection to the divine. The natural bounty of the islands provided endless materials: fragrant flowers, lush leaves, glistening shells, polished seeds, shimmering feathers, and even the bones and teeth of animals.
Every material carries its own meaning, and each lei is crafted with deep intention and respect for the mana, the spiritual power within all living things.
The Sacred Maile Lei: Symbol of Peace
Among all the leis, the Maile lei held (and still holds) a special, sacred place in Hawaiian tradition.
This leafy green vine, with its earthy, rich fragrance, was used to seal peace agreements between rival chiefs. Inside sacred heiau (temples), opposing leaders would intertwine strands of Maile, symbolically tying their destinies together and putting old grievances to rest.
Even today, when you ask locals what is Hawaiian lei, many will smile and tell you about the Maile – the lei of love, respect, and reconciliation.
Welcoming Visitors: The Lei as Hawaii’s Symbol of Aloha
As Hawaiʻi opened to the world, the lei quickly became a powerful symbol of aloha.
Back in the early 1900s, during the romantic “Boat Days”, ships would pull into Honolulu Harbor where lei vendors lined the docks at Aloha Tower, ready to greet visitors and returning locals with fresh, fragrant leis.
Departing travelers often tossed their leis into the ocean near Diamond Head, hoping the currents would carry them back to shore – a promise they too would one day return.
Today, that warm tradition lives on at our airports, where greeters welcome arriving guests with open arms and beautiful flower leis, offering a first taste of the aloha spirit that defines our islands.
What does Lei mean?
When you ask a local what is Hawaiian lei, you’re tapping into something much deeper than flowers strung on a string.
Sacred Materials, Deeper Meanings
In the days of old Hawaii, materials weren’t picked at random – they were sacred.
The bright yellow and red feathers of native Hawaiian honeycreepers were reserved solely for the leis of aliʻi (royalty), symbolizing their rank and divine connection.
Plants from the lush forests, like maile, palapalai, and ‘ōlapa, were gathered with reverence for Laka – the goddess of hula and the forest.
These plants would decorate the kuahu (hula altar) and adorn the dancers who brought ancient stories to life through movement.
The fiery lehua blossom, blooming across volcanic slopes, represented Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, and her beloved sister Hi’iaka.
Leis made from the delicate ʻilima flower, requiring over five hundred blossoms for a single strand, are considered rare treasures that reflect patience, craftsmanship, and high honor.
A Living Expression of Aloha
Today, leis continue to carry these deep roots of meaning. They symbolize the warmth, welcome, and interconnectedness that define Hawaiian culture.
At weddings, births, graduations, and even funerals, leis mark life’s sacred milestones by connecting people through love, support, and remembrance.
In every petal and every thread, the lei reminds us of the beauty of the connection between people, nature, ancestors, and the eternal cycle of life.
The Many Types of Hawaiian Leis
What flower is used for leis? Well, not just flowers, but there’s so much more!
- Flower Leis: These are the classics – orchids, plumerias, tuberose, and the sweet-smelling pikake.
- Leaf Leis: Especially the sacred maile lei, open-ended and worn during big ceremonies like weddings and graduations.
- Shell Leis: The precious Niihau shell lei is world-famous. Tiny shells strung together with incredible skill.
- Feather Leis: Called lei hulu, these were prized by Hawaiian royalty.
- Kukui Nut Leis: Made from the shiny black or brown nuts of the kukui tree, these leis symbolize enlightenment, protection, and peace.
- Modern Leis: People get creative nowadays! You’ll find candy leis, ribbon leis, and even money leis for celebrating achievements.
No matter the material, if you’re wondering “what is Hawaiian lei?”, know that each type carries its own mana and meaning.
How Leis Are Made: An Island Art Form
Making a lei is a true art, passed down through generations. There are several traditional methods:
- Kui: Stringing flowers through the center.
- Haku: Braiding flowers and foliage into a head lei (perfect for weddings).
- Wili: Twisting fibers and flowers together.
- Hili: Braiding a single material, often ti leaves.
Crafting a lei takes patience, creativity, and a whole lot of aloha. And when you make one for someone, you’re actually weaving your feelings into every knot and thread. That’s the real magic behind what is Hawaiian lei – it’s love, handcrafted.
Lei Etiquette: How to Receive and Wear a Lei Properly
In Hawaiʻi, you don’t need a special occasion to wear a lei. You can wear a lei anytime you want to share happiness, love, and the spirit of aloha. But, there are a few simple rules that help show respect for this beautiful symbol:
- Always accept a lei with a smile and both hands. It’s not just a gift – it’s a heartfelt offering of aloha.
- Never refuse a lei. Even if you can’t wear it around your neck (maybe because of allergies), accept it graciously and drape it over your shoulder or arm.
- Wear the lei properly: it should rest gently across your shoulders, hanging down evenly in front and back.
- Avoid removing a lei in front of the person who gave it to you. If you need to take it off, do it discreetly to avoid offending.
Remember, receiving a lei is about accepting love, blessings, and good wishes. It’s a simple but powerful way to connect to the spirit of aloha.
Lei Day: Hawaii’s Favorite Holiday
Ever heard of Lei Day? Every May 1st, the islands light up with lei-making contests, music, hula performances, and cultural festivities. The motto is simple and beautiful: “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii!”
Each island has its own official flower and color for Lei Day celebrations:
- Oʻahu: Ilima flower (yellow)
- Maui: Lokelani rose (pink)
- Kauai: Mokihana berries (purple)
- Big Island (Hawaiʻi): Lehua flower (red)
It’s a joyful reminder that what is Hawaiian lei is truly a celebration of life, love, and island spirit.
Leis Today: Spreading Aloha Worldwide
These days, leis have traveled far beyond Hawaiʻi’s shores. You’ll see them at graduations across the mainland U.S., at weddings around the world, and even in Hollywood movies.
But no matter where they go, leis always carry the same message: You are loved, honored, and welcomed.
Here at home, we still make, give, and treasure leis just like our kūpuna (ancestors) did. Whether you’re visiting or living in Hawaiʻi, remember: when you ask what is Hawaiian lei, you’re asking about something deeply sacred, vibrant, and alive.
Closing Thoughts: Living the Lei Life
Now you know what is Hawaiian lei: it’s Hawaiʻi’s way of sharing the deepest parts of our hearts. Remember that it’s more than just a string of flowers – it’s a string of feelings, memories, and aloha. So next time you see or wear a lei, pause and smile. Mahalo for taking this journey with me!
FAQs About Hawaiian Leis
1. What is the meaning of giving a Hawaiian lei?
Giving a lei is a heartfelt gesture of love, respect, and aloha. It’s how we say “I appreciate you”, “I honor you”, or simply “Welcome!”.
2. What are Hawaiian Leis made of?
Traditional leis are made from flowers, leaves, seeds, shells, feathers, and even bones – anything beautiful and natural from the islands.
3. Is it “Lei” or “Leis”?
In Hawaiian, there’s no difference between singular and plural – “lei” is used for both one or many.
However, you’ll often see the anglicized version “leis” used for clarity, especially in tourism.
4. What should I do with a lei after wearing it?
Respectfully return it to nature. Hang it in a tree, bury it, or offer it back to the earth or sea with gratitude.
5. Can I throw a lei in the garbage after using it?
No, it’s considered disrespectful. A lei carries love and aloha, so it’s better to return it to nature – hang it on a tree, bury it, or float it in the ocean.
6. What is a Hawaiian necklace called?
In many cases, a lei, especially kukui nut or shell types, can be considered a traditional Hawaiian necklace.
