Lei Corner

Bronson holds his handmade lei (Photos by Kaiehu Helelā)

Nothing beats a gift that comes from the heart. In Hawaiʻi, the

tradition of lei making has been passed down through generations

and remains an important cultural practice today. Using flowers,

shells, leaves, and other natural materials, Lei are carefully crafted

by hand, with each one reflecting the time, effort, and thoughtfulness of

its maker. More than just a creative art form, lei making is a way to connect

with culture, nature, and the people who receive these meaningful gifts.

More than just flowers

A lei is much more than a gift. It is a symbol of love, celebration, respect, and

aloha. Given during important occasions such as graduations, birthdays,

weddings, and farewells, a lei carries deep meaning for both the giver and

the receiver. At graduations, students are often covered from head to waist

with Lei from family and friends, each one representing pride, support, and

appreciation for their accomplishments. The lei serves as a reminder of the

relationships and memories that make life’s milestones so special.

A Puakenikeni and Plumeria lei

Flowers Strung on the Timeline

As May Day was first honored a century ago, lei making dates back from

WAY longer! Across Oceania, lei making was brought across every island

and each voyage. In ancient Hawaiʻi, Lei were used almost the same way of

how we use it today. Lei Hulu or feather Lei were used to adorn royalty to

signify their status in Wā Kahiko. Kahuna would use it as offerings for the

gods, or Lei like māile (ti-leaf) Lei were used as peace between tribes/aliʻi.

Over time Lei and lei making has been instrumental within Hawaiʻi’s

society. During the era of Hawaiʻi when people started to travel, people

would set up lei stands near docks or airports to welcome tourists. Like

during the 1920s when airlines would welcome people to Hawaiʻi with lei.

May Day is another idea. This annual ceremony implements the celebration

of making a lei, including competitions for the best lei.

Strung, Braided, or Twisted

Lei have always been an artistic artwork. People have the creative freedom where limits are slim to none. Just about anything could be made into Lei. Flowers, shells, seeds, leaves, ribbons, candies– theoptions can go on forever. There are three common lei types: Kui, Wili, and Hilo.

Kui style lei

Kui is seen everyday. This lei uses a specific needle stringing

flowers or seeds onto a yarn or string. Flowers like Puakenikeni,

Pīkake, Plumeria, or Lokelani (Baby Roses) are some of the things

that are used to make a Lei Kui. This type of lei can be as simple as a

one strand. But, these Lei can be intricate and even creative like

a four strand variation.

Wili style lei

Wili is a different type of lei. These leis have a fuller look using a braiding technique. These leis tie various materials together using twine or yarn. Things like lei po’o is a good example of a lei wili. A lei po’o, which is a lei on the head, combines flowers, ferns and other objects that are bunched together and “braided” together to form the full lei po’o. 

Hilo style lei

Hilo is the last, and another popular lei making technique. Usually using leaves or fern and twisting them together to make a twisted lei. A māile lei is a Hilo type of lei. This lei uses it-leaf and patience. Using two leaves to start, you will be twisting continuously adding leaves into the twisting until your lei is to the length of your desire. This lei is another place where you can get creative like adding more leaves or other ferns in between twists to give it that fuller look.

PAPA LEI- The guide to make a lei

For those who have the time and freedom to make a lei, this part is where you get to learn. I may be no aunty but come and we'll show you how fo’ do one māile lei.

1. Grab your materials and supplies

   1. Ti-Leaves (You gonna need more than one)

   2. Scissors

   3. Gloves 

   4. Towel (for the stickiness)

2. Cut the ti-leaf into pieces-Unfortunately its hard to use the “bone” of the ti-leaf, so using scissors, you'll cut the leaves as close to the bone as possible and make pieces that are average length (and don't forget to give your plant matter back to the ‘aina!!).

3. Prepare your materials- Ti Leaf needs to be softened where you can twist it. You can freeze, boil, or microwave it. The quickest way to get it soft is boiling it.

4. Tie!-Grab two Ti leaves and using the thinner part of the piece, tie them together.

5. Twist- Using one leaf twist counter-clockwise til it is twisted tight. Then do the same for the other leaf til it's tight. Lastly twist your twisted leaves together counter-clockwise.

6. Adding more leaves- When you are running out of leaves, you'll add a new piece into the twist. What I'll do is “taco” or fold the new leaves into the old ones, leaving some excess leaves out and twisting the same as the regular process.

7. Finish off!- When you feel or know that the length of your lei is to your satisfaction, you’ll do what you did at the start, twist it off and pau!

Congratulations; you've just made a $40 dollar lei. If this didn't help you, don't worry, platforms like youtube, TikTok, or Instagram have tutorials that are more helping for the visual people!