May Day is being celebrated as Lei Day in the islands. This year obviously looks to be quite a different one. But next year, please join us the first week of May. In Hawaiian culture, the lei is said to represent Aloha. You can see more lei photos at the end of this post.
2020 Warrior Lei Day Nā Lei Koa
The 93rd annual Lei Day Celebration at Kapiolani Park is cancelled. Nā Lei Koa or Warrior Lei Day was announced by the City of Honolulu as a way for islanders to express aloha and appreciation for first responders, medical professionals, and essential workers.
All of us are invited to make lei and display on our mailbox, front door or balcony. Those can be shared in social media with hashtag #naleikoa.
Lei Day is an annual statewide Hawaii celebration on all the islands that was established as a holiday in 1929. Each Hawaiian island has different type of lei (the same word is both singular and plural) and celebrations. The festivities have grown year after year.
The islands each have special flower and lei representation. The Big island has the red lehua blossom. Kauai is green (of course) and is represented by the mokihana flower. Oahu is the ilima flower. Maui is the pink Lokelani. Molokai is the kukui tree and Lanai is the yellow Kaunao.
We have attended Lei Day celebrations for years. Photos below are an annual Kauai celebration. While waiting to enter this popular Kauai festival, we made lei under the watchful eyes of experts in the craft. Inside there were beautiful lei including edible ones awaiting us, and entered in competition.
Below is a gallery of more exception lei. Please let us know which lei you like best.
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Patricia B. says
There are 3 other islands which are usually represented on May Day.
Can you list the flowers used to represent these islands?
Lānaʻi
Niʻihau
Kahoʻolawe
Kathi says
Beautiful. How much does it cost to receive one on the mainland?
Alita H. says
Puakinikini and tuberose have always been my favorite scent. They look simple but their impression is long-lasting. Takes me right back to the islands. Happy Lei Day from Long Beach, CA!!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Alita.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Denise F says
Happy may day enjoy wish I was there
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Denise.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Denise F says
The pink one by the hat
tea says
Aloha and happy lei day! My favorite is any that includes tuberose! That fragrance takes me to Hawaii immediately!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Tea.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Denise F says
The pink one by the hat
Brian M. says
Receiving these emails from Hawaii just keep our minds ticking over to when we are able to travel back to MAUI/HAWAII at least the signs are good that we are coming out of the Vi rus. These email are informative and interesting. Keep them coming. Best Wishes to all.
Brian M/ Sue M
Australia
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Brian.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Kaliki M says
Aloha! My favorite is the very first one. Happy May Day / Lei Day everyone and I hope next year will be a very special one, as we all hopefully return to a more normal life. ~ I miss the islands ~
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Kaliki.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Pam S says
I attended last year. It was an incredible experience. Mahalo for sharing your beautiful pictures. They brought back some pleasant memories. Hopefully I can come back to Kauai later this year. Aloha.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Pam.
Thanks for sharing.
Aloha.
Char H says
They are all so beautiful I can’t pick just one!