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- Every May 1
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Lei Day blooms across Hawaii and beyond every May 1, celebrating the cherished tradition of the lei. This vibrant observance honors the beauty of these floral garlands and the spirit of aloha they embody. Craft your own lei, learn a hula, or simply embrace the island spirit by sharing kindness and beauty.
Want to sponsor Lei Day? Learn how
Expected Lei Day Deals
While specific 2027 promotions are still to be announced, Lei Day often inspires deals on Hawaiian-themed goods and travel. Look for discounts from airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest on flights to the islands. Retailers such as Aloha Exchange and Pura Vida may offer promotions on island-inspired apparel and accessories. Local florists and craft stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby might feature sales on fresh flowers, ribbon, and lei-making supplies. Additionally, many Hawaiian restaurants, including chains like L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, often have specials on traditional dishes. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 1 approaches.
Platform Guide for Lei Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #LeiDay. Share photos of beautiful leis, Hawaiian landscapes, or your own floral creations.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #LeiDay. Film a quick tutorial on how to make a simple lei or showcase traditional Hawaiian dance.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #LeiDay. Share cultural facts about leis or host a virtual Hawaiian-themed party.
Lei Day Hero
Don Blanding
History of Lei Day
Many believe that what Mark Twain wrote about the islands, as published in a San Francisco newspaper in 1866, was the beginning of Hawaii’s tourism industry. As steamships began to transport visitors across the Pacific, lei merchants would position themselves at Aloha Tower, selling leis to incoming guests at the boat dock. Since then, leis have become an essential element of every Hawaiian visit. This holiday brings attention to the finer elements of the custom the casual tourist would otherwise overlook.
The lei has played a major role in the native Hawaiian people’s history and culture. Anyone who has visited the islands or seen photographs of them knows that they are lush, rich playgrounds filled with vibrant color creating a “symphony” of calm and pleasure. From the vivid red lehua blossom on the Big Island to the bright yellow Kauna’o flower on Lanai, each island has a flower that represents it.
Lei Day was established in 1929, but celebrations began two years earlier, in 1927, at the Bank of Hawaii, and subsequently moved to Kapi’olani Park. The day has its own distinctive style, with celebrations (often contentiously) highlighting the diverse cultures that have come to call the islands home. Everything from musical traditions to dancing forms has been combined to produce an incredible hybrid culture that is 100% Hawaiian.
Concerns have been raised, however, that the merging of cultures across the islands may result in the loss of Hawaiian cultural identity as generations pass, as well as a reduction in ethnic values. By appreciating Hawaiian culture and presenting it to others, Lei Day straddles the line of this contradiction.
Lei Day timeline
Mark Twain’s account of his experience in the islands for a Sacramento Union newspaper kick-starts Hawaii’s travel and tourism industry.
The first celebration of this day is held at the Bank of Hawaii, spreading to the town hall, and lastly to Kapi’olani Park.
Lei Day is declared a national holiday.
The first beauty pageant is held, where a “Lei Day Queen” is chosen, along with a princess representing each of the islands.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Lei Day
Local businesses can embrace Lei Day by decorating their storefronts with floral arrangements and offering Hawaiian-themed specials. Restaurants could feature tropical drinks and dishes, while florists can promote custom lei orders. Retailers might offer discounts on island-inspired clothing or host lei-making workshops. Encourage employees to wear floral attire or leis to foster a festive atmosphere and share the spirit of aloha with customers.
Lei Day FAQs
When is Lei Day?
In 2027, Lei Day will be observed on Saturday, May 1. The weekend placement provides an ideal opportunity for community gatherings and personal celebrations of aloha.
What is the significance of Lei Day?
Beyond its cultural roots, Lei Day serves as a reminder of Hawaii’s unique identity and the enduring spirit of its people. It reinforces the importance of preserving traditions and sharing the warmth of aloha with everyone.
How many types of leis are there?
The variety of leis is vast, with different styles and materials used for specific occasions, from welcoming visitors to honoring royalty. While flower leis are most common, the craftsmanship involved in creating a shell or feather lei is equally revered, showcasing intricate artistry.
Is Lei Day a federal holiday?
While not recognized federally, Lei Day holds deep cultural significance within Hawaii, reflecting its unique heritage. It’s a day of local celebration that draws visitors and residents alike into the spirit of aloha and appreciation for the lei.
Lei Day Activities
Give leis as gifts
On Lei Day, give leis as gifts to your friends and family. This gesture especially honors the Hawaiian culture, or the aloha spirit, which means the giving of warmth and affection to others without expecting anything in return.
Participate in the festival
Take part in Lei Day festivities, which include parades and ceremonies, as well as festivals. Many schools participate in these festivities. The Hawaiian lei is celebrated in a variety of ways in Honolulu. One of the events, for example, involves islanders sharing their lei-making skills.
Watch a beauty pageant
Watch young women vie for the title “Lei Day Queen.” It is similar to the Miss America pageant.
5 Facts About The Hawaiian Lei
Leis were signs of love for gods
In the olden days, leis were exchanged as presents or regarded as symbols of love and respect for the Hawaiian gods.
Lei greeting
When ships brought hundreds of visitors to the islands for the first time in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the custom of welcoming them with leis was born.
Teeth and bones were used as ornaments
Teeth, bones, sticks, and kukui nuts were strung together as body ornaments of ancient Hawaiians.
Some leis are not real flowers
Most leis look like fresh flowers but are actually made of polyester, color-fast materials.
It’s impolite to remove a lei immediately
Removing a lei in front of the person who gave it to you is considered impolite.
Why We Love Lei Day
It celebrates old customs
It celebrates the centuries-old Hawaiian tradition of crafting, presenting, and wearing a lei. Leis can include lacy ferns, glittering ti leaves, polished kukui nuts, feathers, seeds, and delicate shells. They are most commonly weaved or embroidered with flowers these days.
It speaks of one’s kindness and hospitality
The holiday reminds people to be kind and hospitable to friends and guests. It is also a charming gesture of sharing what they have.
It brings people together
It represents an enjoyable part of Hawaiian culture. It paves the way for better cultural awareness and brings people together.
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