Island/Lei Information

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The lei known the world over, is a symbol of aloha. Great care is taken into gathering the materials to make a lei. After the materials are gathered, they are prepared and then fashioned into a lei. As this is done, the mana (or spirit) of the creator of the lei is sewn or woven into it. Therefore, when you give a lei, you are giving a part of yourself. Likewise, as you receive a lei, you are receiving a part of the creator of the lei.  A lei can be given on any occasion. If your lei contains a ribbon/bow, it is to be worn on the shoulder with the lei draped on both the front and the back. Always graciously accept a lei with aloha, reciprocate with a smile, a kiss on the cheek, or a warm embrace. If you are allergic or sensitive to flowers, then discreetly and apologetically slip off the lei. It is considered rude to remove a lei from your neck in the presence of the person who gave it to you, so if you must, be discreet. It is acceptable and considered a kind gesture to offer the lei to your spouse if you are unable to wear it. If your lei is for a loved one that will be scattered into the ocean, please unstring the lei and scatter the loose flowers only while properly discarding the other parts to ensure the protection of our moana (ocean) and 'āina (land). We use the same thought process to discard a lei by doing the following: hanging it on a tree branch, unstringing and scattering the flowers, burying it, or burning it. We can't wait to see the beauty you will wear.

The below information was designated in 1923 by the Territorial legislature.