Hawaii's Iconic Flower Leis Face Threat from Cheaper Imports

Lawmakers consider measures to support local lei makers as demand for the traditional garlands grows.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The vast majority of the flower leis sold in Hawaii are now imported from Thailand, where it is cheaper to grow and string the flowers. Some Hawaii lawmakers want to help local lei makers by requiring state agencies to purchase a certain percentage of locally grown leis and mandating labels that identify Hawaii-made leis. However, lei sellers worry that such rules could make the leis too expensive for locals to afford.

Why it matters

The custom of giving and wearing leis made of flowers, leaves, seeds or shells has always been closely associated with Hawaiian culture. Lawmakers are concerned that the growing commercialization and importation of lei materials is undermining local growers, lei makers, and cultural practitioners.

The details

Hawaii's biggest florist, Watanabe Floral, sells some 250,000 leis per year, accounting for about a quarter of its business. Many of these leis contain imported flowers, especially Thailand-grown orchids, which help stretch limited local supplies. However, locals always prefer locally grown flowers when available. Some lawmakers want to require state agencies to purchase a certain percentage of locally grown leis and mandate labels identifying Hawaii-made leis, but lei sellers worry this could drive up costs and lead people to turn to leis made with candy or ribbons rather than flowers.

  • The custom of giving and wearing leis has been associated with Hawaiian culture for centuries.
  • In the 20th century, as Hawaii's population and tourism boomed, lei makers turned to non-native ornamental plants like carnations and jasmine to meet soaring demand.
  • This year, state Rep. Darius Kila sponsored a bill, requested by the Hawaiian Council, that would have required a certain percentage of leis purchased by state officials to include flowers grown in-state and mandated lei labels identifying the origin of the flowers. The measure failed, but a related bill in the Senate remains alive.

The players

Kuhio Lewis

CEO of the Hawaiian Council, a nonprofit that promotes Native Hawaiian culture and business.

Darius Kila

A state representative from west Oahu who is Native Hawaiian and sponsored a bill to support local lei makers.

Francis Wong

Owner of longtime Chinatown fixture Jenny's Lei and Flowers, who sources some of his flowers from a farm in Nanakuli.

Monty Pereira

General manager of Watanabe Floral, Hawaii's biggest florist, which sells some 250,000 leis per year.

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What they’re saying

“You don't come to Hawaii and not at least have a flower or a lei. For us to now be importing is not good. It's actually embarrassing.”

— Kuhio Lewis, CEO of the Hawaiian Council

“I really try not for us to give out orchid lei, specifically the purple Thailand orchid lei.”

— Darius Kila, State Representative

“People want pikake. That's the top flower in Hawaii.”

— Francis Wong, Owner of Jenny's Lei and Flowers

“The bigger threat is making it so expensive that the people of Hawaii cannot afford to enjoy something that's culturally significant to us.”

— Monty Pereira, General Manager of Watanabe Floral

What’s next

The Senate bill that would create a work group to study whether local flower-growers and lei-makers can meet the rising demand for the garlands, and make recommendations for protecting the local industry, remains alive and could lead to further legislative action.

The takeaway

Hawaii's iconic flower leis, a cherished cultural tradition, are facing competition from cheaper imported flowers, raising concerns about the impact on local lei makers and growers. Lawmakers are exploring ways to support the local industry, but must balance the need to preserve cultural traditions with keeping leis affordable for the people of Hawaii.