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Article: May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi

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May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi
#raisedwithaloha

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi

If you grew up in Hawaiʻi, you’ve probably heard it your whole life: “May Day is Lei Day.” And even now, as a mom, it still hits me the same way—May 1 just feels special.

When I was in school, May Day was a whole thing. Each class would represent an island, wear the island color, and perform for the May Day Court. We practiced for weeks. There was always that mix of nerves + excitement, and it felt like such an honor when someone got chosen for the court.

The kind of tradition that sticks with you

Lei Day isn’t just about pretty flowers (although yes, it’s definitely pretty). It’s about what a lei means.

A lei can be a welcome. A congratulations. A “thinking of you.” A “mahalo for showing up.” It’s one of the simplest ways we show love here—and it’s also one of the most powerful.

And for keiki? Lei-making is one of those traditions that teaches without feeling like a lesson.

  • You learn patience (because it takes time)
  • You learn care (because you’re working with real, living things)
  • You learn respect (for the plants, for the person receiving it, for the momen

Lei Laʻi Maile Style

A tiny bit of history (because it’s still kinda cool)

Lei have been part of Hawaiian culture for generations—long before there was an official holiday.

Lei Day as we know it today became a thing in the early 1900s. In 1927, writer Don Blanding suggested setting aside a day to celebrate lei, and May 1 became the date. The phrase “May Day is Lei Day” is often credited to Grace Tower Warren.

Growing up I had no idea that is how it started because it was something we just did and itʻs pretty cool to see how families and schools have kept it going year after year.

How we’re celebrating this year

This year we’re celebrating the way we always try to: simple, real, and together.

We’ve been picking flowers for lei, and my keiki have been getting more confident every year. My son has been learning to make lei over the last couple of years, and this year he learned a new one—made with one of my favorite native plants.

ʻAʻaliʻi seed pods for lei

He also made lei for a school competition this year and watching him sit and string each ʻaʻaliʻi bud made me so proud. If you have ever made a lei ʻaʻaliʻi you know how much time it takes to string together these fragile pods.

 Lei ʻAʻaliʻi I made for my baby on her 1st birthday

Talk story with me

If you’re celebrating Lei Day today, I’d love to hear:

  1. What kind of lei do you love to make?
  2. What’s your favorite flower (or leaf) to use?
  3. Do you have a May Day memory from school?

However you celebrate—whether you’re here in Hawaiʻi or far away—happy Lei Day. 

Shop our Lei Inspired Products

Leilani Sills

Written by Leilani Sills

Full time mama, Shop Owner and Teacher.

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