May 1 each year marks the beloved Lei Day in Hawaiʻi, a celebration of the Hawaiian lei—a profound symbol of aloha deeply embedded in the state’s culture.
The tradition of Lei Day, which originated in the 1920s with the rise of steamship travel to the Islands, highlights the beauty and significance of the lei.
Initially proposed by poet Don Blanding, the concept was popularized by Grace Tower Warren, a columnist for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin.
Warren suggested May 1 as the official date for this festive observance, capturing the essence of the month when many flowers are in full bloom.
With the growth and popularity of Lei Day, numerous events and festivals have flourished across the Islands, each commemorating the artistry of lei-making and the spirit of community.
In 2025, the 97th Annual Lei Day Celebration continues the legacy with a grand festival held at Kapiʻolani Park on Oʻahu.
Hosted by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, this free event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 1.
Attendees can immerse themselves in local entertainment and witness the remarkable skills of Hawaiʻi’s master lei makers.
A highlight of the festival is the Lei Contest Exhibit, showcasing exquisite lei crafted from a diverse array of flora.
On a different island, Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikīkī is set to co-host an event titled May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi Nei on May 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This celebration, featuring the artistry of four-time Grammy award-winner Kalani Peʻa, will encompass the culture, artistry of lei making, and traditional mele, alongside culinary offerings by Hau Tree.
The day includes a lei contest, with submissions accepted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and live performances by Peʻa and the 2024 Richard Hoʻopiʻi leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Champion, Antonio “Akoni” Robles.
Meanwhile, Maui’s Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House in Wailuku will host a Lei Day Heritage Festival on May 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
This event aims to educate the community on the historical and cultural significance of lei through interactive exhibits, lei-making workshops, lei contests, and live music.
For those interested in crafting their own lei, there are numerous lei-making classes available across the Islands.
Stringing together the vibrant flora of Hawaiʻi serves as an exceptional way to honor and celebrate Lei Day, as well as other special occasions.
Local artisans conduct engaging workshops, helping to preserve the traditional art of lei making while offering participants a chance to learn and create.
In the quaint paniolo town of Makawao, Haku Maui provides both private and community workshops, including a special Lei Day workshop scheduled for May 1.
On Hawaiʻi Island, Mōhalu Hawaiʻi offers private classes, catering to groups and individuals who wish to explore the various styles of lei, the types of foliage used, and the cultural significance behind them.
As Lei Day draws near, anticipation builds across the Islands, where the enduring spirit of aloha and the beauty of the lei will once again be celebrated in joyful gatherings and community activities.
image source from：https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/how-to-celebrate-lei-day-in-hawaii/
