How to Celebrate Lei Day in Hawaiʻi

Every year May 1 marks Lei Day in Hawaiʻi. It’s a tribute to the iconic Hawaiian lei, a beautiful symbol of aloha that is so tightly woven in Hawaiian culture. 

Originating in the 1920s during a period of steamship travel to the Islands, Lei Day has blossomed into a beloved tradition. Throughout the Islands, festivals and events are held to commemorate the history and significance of lei. Whether it’s attending the 97th Annual Lei Day in Kapiʻolani Park or making a lei for a loved one, there are many ways to celebrate Lei Day in Hawaiʻi in 2025.

READ MORE: 7 of Hawaiʻi’s Most Popular Lei and What Makes them Unique 

History of Lei Day in Hawaiʻi 

The idea of Lei Day originated in Honolulu, Oʻahu in the 1920s. During this period, travel to the Islands by means of steamship was growing—and so were the number of lei sellers lining the piers and sidewalks of Downtown Honolulu.  

The poet Don Blanding believed Hawaiʻi should have a day dedicated to celebrating the flower lei. He pitched his idea to Grace Tower Warren, a columnist at the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Warren suggested the holiday should be May 1, and is credited with coining the phrase “May Day is Lei Day.” 

It turns out May was a great choice, as many flowers are in bloom, making May Day a vibrant and joyful celebration to this day.

READ MORE: How May Day Became Lei Day in Hawaiʻi 

2025 Lei Day Events in Hawaiʻi 

With various styles, lei can be crafted with unique materials.
Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Throughout Hawaiʻi, colorful festivals and special events commemorate the tradition of lei.  

One of the largest lei festivals is the annual Lei Day Celebration at Kapiʻolani Park on Oʻahu, hosted by the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation. This year marks the 97th celebration. The free festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, May 1. Approaching 100 years, the event continues to celebrate the skill of Hawaiʻi’s master lei makers, while also inviting the community to enjoy performances from local entertainment and hula hālau. Be sure to visit the Lei Contest Exhibit, showcasing exquisite pieces crafted with a unique variety of flora.  

Kaimana Beach Hotel in Waikīkī is also holding an event this year. The oceanfront hotel is teaming up with four-time Grammy award-winner Kalani Peʻa to host May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi Nei on May 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day is a celebration of culture, the art of lei making and mele, with culinary delights by Hau Tree. Along with a lei contest—lei submission will be accepted in the hotel lobby from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. —the day includes a live performance by Peʻa and Antonio “Akoni” Robles, the 2024 Richard Hoʻopiʻi leo Kiʻekiʻe Falsetto Champion. 

On Maui, the Hale Hōʻikeʻike at the Bailey House in Wailuku invites the community to learn more about the origins and significance of lei during its Lei Day Heritage Festival. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on May 1, you can explore interactive exhibits to dive deeper into the tradition of lei. The event also includes lei-making workshops, lei contests and live music. 

Where to Take a Lei-Making Class in Hawaiʻi 

Throughout the Islands, local artisans lead engaging lei-making workshops.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono

Stringing lei with the Islands’ vibrant flora is a beautiful way to celebrate spring. Whether it’s for Lei Day or for another special occasion, you can find local artisans in Hawaiʻi leading engaging workshops. Many of these contemporary lei makers create incredible pieces of botanical art, all while ensuring the art form is preserved and continues to flourish. Fortunately for us, these artists gracefully share their stories and techniques with the community.  

Tucked in the paniolo town of Makawao, Haku Maui holds both private and community workshops in its beautiful boutique. Haku Maui is also hosting a special Lei Day workshop on May 1. 

Mōhalu Hawaiʻi on Hawaiʻi Island only offers private classes, from groups and couples to solo experiences. In the workshop, students learn about different lei styles, the types of foliage and the importance of lei in Hawaiʻi. 

On Oʻahu’s North Shore, Little Plumeria Farms leads a sunset lei-making tour. The experience includes a stroll through a garden of rare plumeria, followed by an opportunity to pick your own plumeria for your own lei.