There’s little else that says “Hawai‘i” better than a flower — this GARLAND OF FLOWERS that is given upon greeting guests is a fragrant symbol of aloha . Lei can be as simple as a chain-like string of perfumed plumeria, or as intricate as a multi-braided haku lei, composed of fl owers, berries and leaves.
receive one.
In Hawai‘i, MAY DAY IS LEI DAY , when many kama‘āina (locals) wear lei. Lei displays and even competitions are a part of May Day celebrations. During other days of the year, one can find lei at LEI STANDS, FLORISTS AND FARMERS MARKETS, and even at island grocery stores.
Many hotels and resorts off er LEI-MAKING CLASSES, sometimes for free. Ask your concierge if there’s a class nearby.
Another way to see Hawai‘i’s gorgeous blooms is to stop by the lei shops in CHINATOWN . Here you can find affordable lei in an array of different flowers like tuberose, orchid, plumeria, kukui nut and more. You can even buy bags of loose flowers, some thread and a lei needle to string your own lei. Some popular lei shops in Chinatown are LIN’S LEI SHOP , LITA’S LEIS , AND CINDY’S LEI & FLOWER SHOPPE , all on or around Maunakea Street.
