The lei is an iconic symbol of Hawai’i. A lei is given and worn for all kinds of occasions and celebrations throughout the year in Hawai’i, from birthdays to graduations and weddings. Visitors arriving on island are often greeted with a lei. May Day, or May 1st, is Lei Day in Hawai’i. Read on to learn more about different Hawaiian lei (with lots of photos!), where to buy lei in Kona, DIY tips for making your own lei, plus inspiring lei makers to follow on social media for your daily flower fix.
Hawaiian Lei
Lei making in Hawai’i is truly an art form and the lei is an important part of Hawaiian culture. There are many other types of lei to be found in Hawai’i. Aside from flowers, Lei are also made out of other natural materials like shells, nuts, seeds, and feathers. Here’s some well known, and not so well known types of Hawaiian lei.
‘Ilima - historically, ‘ilima flower lei where only worn by royalty in Hawai’i. This intricate lei takes many hours and hundreds of the golden-orange paper thin flowers to create.
Lokelani - or “heavenly rose” smells incredible. Introduced from overseas in the 1800s, this vibrant pink cottage rose is the official flower of Maui.
Kukui nut - or (Candlenut) seed from the Kukui nut tree makes a long-lasting beaded lei. The large seeds are about the size of a quarter and can be painted or polished with oil. Sometimes the lei is embellished with money as a gift for graduation.
Mokihana - a small, round, green fruit that is found in the rainforest, most notably from the island of Kaua’i. When the fruit has been picked, it needs to be strung within two hours.
Ni’ihau shell - the remote island of Ni’ihau is famous for the tiny beautiful pupu shells that are found along its shoreline. Ni’ihau shell lei are extremely valuable, with antique ones selling for thousands of dollars.
Plumeria - the most popular Hawaiian lei. These fragrant, colorful flowers smell lovely and come in many different colors, from deep red and hot pink to white and pale yellow. Plumeria is one of the easiest and most accessible flowers for making your own lei. (Scroll down for tips on making your own lei.)
Puakinikini - a deliciously sweet smelling orange or white flower. These seriously smell ahhhmazing! If someone has a puakinikini tree, they guard the flowers closely.
Orchid - these lei do not have a scent but do stay fresh for a long time. Their purple color really pops! A common lei for sale in major stores in Hawai’i.
Ti leaf - these lei take some craft and skill to create. They are made with cut ti leaves which are softened by soaking in water or freezing and then thawing. The softened cut leaves are then twisted together to form a rope-like lei.
Other popular lei include Ginger, Jasmine, Crown flower, Maile lei, feather lei, fabric lei, and lei po’o or haku lei (head lei). See photos below.
Where to Buy Lei in Kona
If you’re visiting Kona and want to get your hands on a fresh lei here’s the best spots:
Choy’s Lei Stand (at the Kona Airport), hours: 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Safeway
KTA
Make Your Own Lei
DIY queens - making your own lei is pretty simple. All you need is:
A needle (a regular sewing needle will do if you don’t have a special lei making needle)
Thread or dental floss
About 30 - 40 flowers
A bag for picking
Plumeria flowers are usually your best bet. They’re free and you can find them blooming all around Kona on roadsides and in some parks like Old Airport Beach Park. Just make sure you don’t pick from a tree planted on private property without asking permission.
After picking, soak the flowers in cold water to wash them off and then string the lei right away. Keep the lei in the fridge if you want to save it for later.
Lei Inspo on Instagram
Follow these awesome lei makers on Instagram for a daily dose of Hawaiian style flower power.
@live_a_lei_life
@hakusbyki
@leibydillyn
@graceflowershawaii
@kuileoaloha_hi
That’s all friends! We hope you’ve enjoyed this adventure in lei. Don’t forget to stop and smell the flowers, whether you’re in Hawai’i or not! Dreaming of a spring or summer trip to Hawai’i? Come stay with us! Book your stay today.