Make a lei in Honolulu

What it is

A lei is a garland of flowers, leaves, shells or seeds, given in Hawaii to welcome, to honour, to congratulate and to say goodbye. The simplest kind is made by threading blossoms on a long needle, a method called kui. Plumeria is the beginner's flower. Others are orchid, tuberose, the small scented jasmine called pikake, crown flower and the orange ilima. Hotels, cultural centres and community groups in Honolulu run short classes. In Chinatown, a row of family lei shops strings and sells them fresh each day. On 1 May, Lei Day, the city holds contests and displays in Kapiolani Park.

Before you go

• A class takes about an hour. Ask for one led by a Hawaiian practitioner.
• Accept a lei when it is offered, and do not take it off in front of the giver.
• When it fades, return it to the earth rather than putting it in a bin.

The flowers you will see

PlumeriaFragrant tropical tree with waxy, five-petaled flowers in many coloursArabian jasmineA small white jasmine with a strong, sweet scent, treasured in Asia for garlands and ceremoniesYellow ʻilimaA golden-yellow flower woven into Hawaiian and Pacific Island garlands

Also part of it, and being written: Dendrobium, Agave amica, Calotropis gigantea.

Read more

LeiA garland or necklace of flowers, leaves, or shells given to honor or celebrate

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