The
History of the Hawaiian Lei
The lei custom was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early
Polynesian voyagers, who took an incredible journey from Tahiti,
navigating by the stars in sailing canoes. With these early
settlers, the lei tradition in Hawaii was born.
Leis were constructed
of flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers, and even
bone and teeth of various animals. These garlands were worn
by ancient Hawaiians to beautify themselves and distinguish
themselves from others. The Maile lei was perhaps the most
significant. Among other sacred uses, it was used to signify
a peace agreement between opposing chiefs. In a heiau (temple),
the chiefs would symbolically intertwine the green Maile vine,
and its completion officially established peace between the
two groups.
A Custom of
Aloha
With the advent of tourism in the islands, the lei quickly
became the symbol of Hawaii to millions of visitors worldwide.
During the
"Boat Days" of the early 1900s, lei vendors lined
the pier at Aloha Tower to welcome malihini (visitors) to
the islands and kama'aina (locals) back home. It is said that
departing visitors would throw their lei into the sea as the
ship passed Diamond Head, in the hopes that like the lei,
they too would return to the islands again some day.
With today's
air travel, things are a little faster paced. But visitors
can easily bring back the nostalgia of old Hawaii by ordering
a traditional flower lei greeting for their arrival at the
Honolulu International Airport. It's a warm, wonderful way
to begin a Hawaiian vacation.
Lei Etiquette
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