I find myself saying ‘Congratulations’ or ‘ho’maika’i ana’ (pronounced: ho-oh-my-ee-ka-ee ah-nah) a lot over the last week. It is that time of year where we see elementary school kids promoted to middle school, middle schoolers head to high school, high schoolers become young adults and start their journey into becoming bigger contributors to our world. 

These days, there is a little bit of Hawaii in every graduation. Many graduates wear leis during their commencement ceremonies. A lei is seen as a symbol of pride and the accomplishments of the graduate. It also signifies the bond between the giver and the receiver…with wishes of hope and joy for the graduate’s future. There are the traditional leis made of orchids, plumeria and ti leaves. And some are leis of candy!

And with my nephew graduating from high school next weekend, I have a special lei of kukui nuts and ti leaves arriving next week from Hawaii for him.

Ho’maika’i ana to all our graduates!

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