National Lei Day

Categories:: Fun
Tags:: Appreciation
Where:: International
Date change rule:: Every November 11
Holiday emoji:: 🌺

National Lei Day graces the calendar every November 11, celebrating the vibrant Hawaiian tradition of crafting and sharing leis. This day invites everyone to embrace the spirit of aloha, learn about the cultural significance of these beautiful garlands, and spread joy. Create your own lei, share one with a loved one, or explore Hawaiian culture.

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History
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FAQs
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Expected National Lei Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that National Lei Day inspires special offers from travel agencies, Hawaiian-themed restaurants, and florists. Expect discounts on flights to Hawaii from airlines like Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest, special menus at Hawaiian eateries such as L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, and promotions on tropical flowers from online florists like ProFlowers and FTD. Retailers like Target and Walmart may feature Hawaiian-themed apparel or decor. Gift shops specializing in island crafts, such as ABC Stores, often run sales on leis and related souvenirs. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as November 11 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Lei Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalLeiDay. Share photos of your beautiful leis, Hawaiian-inspired outfits, or moments of aloha.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalLeiDay. Film a quick tutorial on making a simple lei or showcase your favorite Hawaiian traditions.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalLeiDay. Post about the history of leis or share a virtual aloha message with friends and family.

National Lei Day Hero

Don Blanding

Don Blanding (1894–1957) was an American poet, artist, and author credited with popularizing the lei tradition beyond Hawaii. Born in Oklahoma, he moved to Hawaii in 1915 and became enchanted by the islands. In 1927, he published 'Hula Moons,' a collection of poems that included 'Lei Day is May Day,' inspiring the first official Lei Day celebration in Hawaii on May 1, 1928. His efforts helped solidify the lei's place as a symbol of aloha and Hawaiian culture.

History of National Lei Day

In Hawaiian, Lei can be used as a proper name and as a short for other names, such as Kalei. In Chinese, it is considered an ancient name, dated before the Xia Dynasty which lasted from 2070 B.C to 1600 B.C.

Lei Zu or Leizu was a legendary Chinese empress and the wife of the Yellow Emperor. Her mythos is intertwined with the discovery of sericulture and the invention of the silk loom in the 27th century B.C. As per legend, the empress discovered silkworms while she was having afternoon tea, and a cocoon fell into her tea and subsequently unraveled. She soon convinced the emperor to give her a grove of mulberry trees where she would go on to domesticate silkworms. Leizu is credited with the invention of the first silk loom. She soon shared her discovery, and the information quickly spread across the land. She was given the title ‘Silkworm Mother.’

Lei Zu was known to have had two sons with the Yellow Emperor names Shaohao and Changyi. The latter went on to become the father of the legendary Chinese emperor Zhuanxu. In some legends, Shaohao and Changyi were bypassed, and Zhuanxu was made heir to the throne by the Yellow Emperor. Though the authenticity of the claims of her discovery and invention are not entirely verifiable, Leizu continues to be a popular object of worship in modern China.

National Lei Day timeline

5000 B.C.

China is Settled

Villages first begin to spring up along the Yellow River.

3400 B.C.

First Recorded Name

The earliest ever known name, Kushim, is recorded on a clay tablet.

27th Century B.C.

Leizu

Lei Zu becomes empress, discovers sericulture, and invents the silk loom.

4th Century A.D.

Hawaii

Hawaii is first settled.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Lei Day

Local businesses can embrace National Lei Day by decorating their storefronts with floral garlands and offering Hawaiian-themed specials. Restaurants could feature tropical dishes and drinks, while florists can host lei-making workshops or offer discounts on custom leis. Retailers might showcase Hawaiian-inspired apparel or home goods. Consider partnering with a local cultural group to educate customers about the significance of the lei and the spirit of aloha, creating an authentic and engaging celebration.

National Lei Day FAQs

When is National Lei Day?

National Lei Day 2026 falls on a Wednesday, November 11. It’s a beautiful occasion to honor the Hawaiian tradition of giving and receiving leis, symbolizing love, friendship, and respect.

What do different leis symbolize?

Leis carry diverse meanings depending on their materials and context. For example, a lei made of maile leaves often signifies respect and honor, while a lei of pikake flowers might represent romance. The act of giving and receiving a lei itself embodies the spirit of aloha, conveying love, friendship, and welcome.

How many leis are typically exchanged on Lei Day?

While there isn’t a precise count, thousands of leis are made and exchanged across Hawaii and by enthusiasts worldwide on Lei Day. Public celebrations often feature lei contests and displays with hundreds of entries, showcasing the incredible artistry and volume of these traditional garlands.

Is Lei Day a public holiday in Hawaii?

No, National Lei Day is not a public holiday in Hawaii, meaning government offices and most businesses remain open. However, it is widely celebrated with cultural events, lei-making workshops, and festivities across the islands, particularly in schools and community centers.

National Lei Day Activities

Appreciate a Lei
If you have a wonderful Lei in your life, go appreciate them. They will love getting some attention.
Look up the etymology of your name
Your name is bound to be interesting, so look up the origin of your own name. You may find something cool.
Read about Leizu
Read up about Leizu and her impressive life. You can use her legacy as an inspiration to do something new.

5 Interesting Facts About Hawaii

Invention
Surfing was invented in Hawaii.
Largest dormant volcano
Hawaii is home to the world’s largest dormant volcano, Mount Haleakala.
Official languages
Hawaii has two official languages, English and Hawaiian.
Hello and goodbye
The Hawaiian word ‘aloha’ means both ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye.’
Rabies-free
Hawaii is rabies-free and very strict about its quarantine procedures to keep it that way.

Why We Love National Lei Day

It’s a fun history lesson
Names have a fascinating history. Learning about Lei is especially fun!
It reminds us of words long passed
Names like Lei can be seen as fossils. They are reminders of words long passed out of the popular lexicon and changing traditions.
It’s fun to appreciate people
We love appreciating people. We are definitely ready to show up for National Lei Day!