Lei: The Magic of Aloha Around Your Neck

Picture yourself arriving in Hawaii, where the warm Pacific breeze greets you, carrying the sweet scent of tropical flowers. As you step off the plane, a beautiful lei—a garland made of flowers, leaves, or other natural materials—is gently placed around your neck. This tradition, known as the lei greeting, is one of Hawaii’s most cherished customs. More than just a necklace of flowers, the lei represents the spirit of aloha, a concept deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture that expresses love, respect, and kindness.

The story of the lei begins with the Polynesian voyagers who traveled thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean to settle in Hawaii. These ancient sailors, who were expert navigators, used only the stars, ocean currents, and natural signs to guide their way from places like Tahiti. When they arrived in Hawaii, they brought with them many customs, including the art of lei-making.

In ancient Hawaii, the lei was much more than just a decoration. It was a symbol of status, honor, and celebration. Hawaiian royalty, or ali‘i, would wear elaborate lei made from fragrant flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, and sometimes even bones and teeth from animals. One of the most important lei was the maile lei, which was often used during peace agreements between rival chiefs. To seal their alliances, these leaders would intertwine the maile vines in a ceremonial act within sacred temples called heiau. This showed their commitment to peace and unity.

As Hawaii entered the modern era, the tradition of lei-making expanded beyond its royal and ceremonial roots. By the early 1900s, Hawaii’s tourism industry had begun to boom, and the lei became a symbol of welcome for visitors. One of the most famous traditions during this time was known as Boat Days. At Aloha Tower Pier in Honolulu, locals would greet arriving ships by showering passengers with colorful lei. Departing visitors would toss their lei into the ocean at Diamond Head, believing that if the lei floated back to shore, it meant they would one day return to the islands.

Today, the art of lei-making is still an important part of Hawaiian culture, and it has even evolved to include eco-friendly practices. Many modern artists use sustainable materials like recycled paper or native plants to create their designs. Each Hawaiian island has its special lei that reflects its unique environment. For example, on the island of O‘ahu, the golden ilima flower is commonly used, while Maui is known for the pink rose. Every year on May 1st, Hawaii celebrates Lei Day, a statewide event that honors this beloved tradition with parades, music, and, of course, beautiful lei.

Lei come in many forms, and each type has its own special meaning. A pikake lei—made from delicate jasmine flowers—is often given as a sign of love or affection. The maile lei, with its long, green leaves, is used to congratulate someone or to mark an important achievement. The hala lei, made from the orange fruits of the hala tree, symbolizes transitions or new beginnings, such as graduation or a new job.

In addition to wearing lei as necklaces, people can also wear them as haku lei (crowns made of flowers) or as bracelets and anklets. Each style has its meaning and purpose, but all share the same message of love, respect, and connection to nature.

While the lei is most often associated with Hawaii, many other Pacific cultures have their own version of this beautiful tradition. In Samoa, for example, they are called “ula”, while in Tahiti they are known as “hei”, and in the Cook Islands as “ei”. Although the name and materials may differ, the meaning is the same—these garlands represent welcome, celebration, and honor. Despite its popularity around the world, the etiquette surrounding lei remains important: you should always accept a lei with gratitude, wear it with respect, and never remove it in front of the person who gave it to you

As people become more aware of the importance of protecting the environment, the tradition of lei-making has embraced sustainability. In Hawaii, contemporary lei makers focus on using native plants and environmentally friendly materials to preserve the natural beauty of the islands. Many lei artists now grow their flowers and greenery to reduce the environmental impact of imported materials.

The lei has also become an important symbol in many life events outside of Hawaii. From weddings and birthdays to graduations and even memorials, lei are used to express love, joy, and remembrance. At Hawaiian graduation ceremonies, for example, students are often covered in so many lei that they can barely see! Each garland is a token of pride and congratulations from friends and family.

From its ancient Polynesian origins to its modern role as a symbol of welcome and celebration, the lei continues to bring people together in a “lei of aloha” that connects hearts and cultures across the world. More than just a string of flowers, the lei is a living tradition that honors the beauty of nature and the power of human connection. Whether you’re receiving a traditional flower lei in Hawaii, making a lei at home, or simply learning about its rich history, the message remains clear: the lei is a timeless expression of love, respect, and aloha spirit.

The next time you see or wear a lei, remember that you are part of a tradition that stretches back hundreds of years: one that celebrates the bonds between people and the natural world. It’s a reminder that small gestures, like offering or wearing a lei, can carry big meanings. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll find yourself tossing a lei into the waters of Diamond Head, making a silent wish to return to the islands that created this beautiful tradition.

Bidisha Ghosh, Staff Reporter