I’ve known for quite some time that May 1 is Lei Day in Hawaii. However, I didn’t know much about Lei Day and started to research why this day is important…and means so much more…than a just a wreath of flowers or leaves. 

Lei Day was established as a holiday in 1929 and is the celebration of the aloha spirit. Since first established, celebrations have continued to grow in Hawaii to highlight Lei Day. Each of the Hawaiian islands has its own symbol that is a combination of a plant and a color:

• Hawaii (The Big Island): Red and the lehua (pronounced: leh-hoo-ah)

• Maui: Pink and the lokelani (pronounced: loh-keh-lah-nee)

• Oahu: Yellow and the ‘ilima (pronounced: ee-lee-mah)

• Molokai: Green and the kukui (pronounced: koo-koo-ee)

• Lanai: Orange and the kauna’oa (pronounced: kah-oo-nah-oh-ah)

• Kahoolawe: Gray and the hinahina (pronounced: hee-nah-hee-nah)

• Kauai: Purple and the mokihana (pronounced: moh-kee-hah-nah)

• Niihau: White and the pupu (pronounced: poo-poo) shell

I honestly can’t think of a better thing to celebrate than the aloha spirit. It is the spirit that drives us all to Hawaii and keeps us craving more and more of it. While I likely can’t find the plants listed above, I will wear the color (purple) of my favorite of the Hawaiian islands today. 

How are you celebrating Lei Day today? 

Happy Lei Day to all of you….our ohana. 

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