Lei Day Heritage Festival

Since time immemorial, Hawaiians have crafted leis as a cherished symbol of love, respect, and celebration, adorning themselves and their loved ones with these fragrant garlands for everyday wear and special occasions alike. It's a tradition deeply ingrained in the cultural tapestry of Hawaii, woven into the fabric of daily life and marking significant rites of passage and celebrations.

MAKE A LEI. GIVE A LEI. WEAR A LEI.

At our museum, we invite you to delve into the spirit and significance of Lei Day through interactive exhibits, cultural demonstrations, and special events.

Join us as we explore the origins of this cherished celebration, learn about the traditions of lei-making, and discover the timeless allure of the lei as a symbol of love, friendship, and connection.

2026 Lei Day Contest

Celebrate the art of traditional and modern lei-making by entering our annual Lei Day Heritage Festival Contest! We welcome all - from experienced lei makers to first-time participants - to share their creativity and aloha. Join us in honoring this meaningful cultural practice and showcasing the beauty of your unique lei.

To register click here or scan the QR code. 🌺

Past Lei Contest Winners

Community Choice Winner
Britney Alejo-Fishell

Fresh Floral Winner
Miki Poaipuni

Fresh Floral Honorable Mention
Laila Mehwa Reiss

Natural Materials Winner
Stephanie D Franco

Natural Materials Honorable Mention
Chelsey Borges

Recycled Materials Winner
Henry Kaholokula

Recycled Materials Honorable Mention
Lauren Nelson

Special Heartfelt Mention
Joanne Carter

Past Lei Contestants
Mahalo for Participating!

Lei Contest

From vibrant florals to recycled treasures, each lei tells a story of creativity, craftsmanship, and the enduring spirit of aloha.
Jocelyn Costa - Lei Haku

Fern, ti leaf, orchid, banana leaf Lei, complete th hat display!
Jocelyn Costa - Lei Hilo

Crafted with care and reverence, this lei intertwines the timeless elegance of Ti leaves with the coastal charm of sea grapes and the delicate beauty of hinahina.
Maricel Wise - Lei Po'o Wili

"Wild Maui" Ti leaves from Hana, Blue Jade and Protea from Kula, Crown Flower and croton from Kihei, Pele's hair from Wailuku
Alana Kaopuiki-Pellegrino - Lei Hili/Ku'i

Native species of plants and flowers grown on our farm in Waikapū, including ko’oloa ‘ula.
Kekoa Dettloff - Lei Wili

Crafted with nou, raffia, lehua, 'ulei, a'ali'i, kupukapa, and mock orange.
Valerie Dettloff - Lei Wili

Crafted with ti leaves, pele’s hair, ferns, and flowers from Haiku.
Joanne Carter - Lei Wili

Crafted with iliac, 'a'all'i, ki' yellow & green, palapalai, hawaiian tree fern, u'ūlei.
Railee Jane Carter - Lei Kai

Ko’oloa ‘ula (red Ilima) is native to Hawaii’s dry forests and is found in the wild on Lanai, East Maui and Hawaii.
Chelsey Borges - Lei Ku'i

Crafted with white crown flower and kou flowers.
Miona Morgan - Ku'i Polo Lei, petal lei

Crafted with Pua Kalaunu petals, and using straight and weaving patterns. Working with crown flower petals is extremely delicate and time consuming work, and here the petals come together beautifully!
Kali Arce - Lei Wili

Crafted with banana husk, ti leaves, amauʻu fern leaves, kaunaoa, ʻohiʻa lehua. Lehua mamo and red ohiʻa symbolize Hawaiian lovers at sunset portrayed by the kaunaoa. Their tight embrace is indicated by the ti leaf rose.
Lori Apo - Lei Ku'i

Crafted with kukui nut, flowers, and ferns.
Hiromi Yamaguchi - Lei Hilo/Wili

Crafted ih ti leaves nd hibiscus. (I’m excited and eager, my first time to see and participate!)
Danielle Kincaid - Lei Ku'i

Crafted with polymer clay and pear wood. All petals and flowers are formed and made by hand.
Henry Kaholokula - Lei Ku'i

Crafted with folded Paper, sungi fishingline, ribbon, purple crown flower.
Henry Kaholokula - Lei Ku'i

Crafted with ribbon and Kukui shells.
Henry Kaholokula - Lei Ku'i

Crafted with Recycled Hilo Hatties Advertisement Cards.
Henry Kaholokula - Samoan Tie

Crafted with Kukui Leaves.
Keāliapaʻaikeauhou Pellegrino - Lei Ku'i

Crafed with Pua nāʻū - endemic Hawaiian gardenia grown at Nohoʻana Farm.
Aunty Doll Aricayos - Lei Ku'i

Crafted with seeds and coconut shells.
Greg West - Lei Ku'i/Wili

Crafted with Wailuku kukui'ula, kohala pukashell, freshwater pearls.
Jubilee Pali-Kaneakua - Lei Ku'i

Crafted with song India leaves, each leaf is picked, washed, twisted and strung.

We also want to thank our
workshop volunteers!

Your unwavering commitment, generosity, and wealth of knowledge have been the heartbeat of our Lei Day heritage celebration. With your invaluable contributions of time, materials, and expertise, we've woven together an honor of tradition and creativity that celebrates the spirit of aloha and the artistry of lei-making. Your passion and dedication have inspired countless individuals to embrace our cultural heritage and create their own lei masterpieces. From the bottom of our hearts, we extend our deepest gratitude for your selfless efforts in preserving and sharing the magic of Lei Day with our community.

Royal Order of Kamehameha
- Feather Kāhili Demonstration

Aunty Jocelyn Costa
-Ribbon Lei Demonstration

Gail Kuba
- Lauhala Demonstration

Uncle No’eau
- Kukui Lei Demonstration

Aunty Doll Aricayos (right) & Friends
- Lei Making Demonstration

Jeff Donohue
- ‘Ie’Ie Basketry Demonstration

Sissy - Past ED

LaCelia - Volunteer

Kahiwalani - Docent

Awakea & Sissy - Museum Member

Thank you to our Vendors!

Maui Sugar Babe

We live in beautiful Waihe'e, Maui, Hawaii, where has abundant rain, sun and rich soil. We grow Lilikoi (Passion Fruit), Pineapples, Mangoes in our property. My sugar scrubs are all handmade, using fruits from our yard and other farms on Maui!

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She Wood Go

Everyday items and accessories, home goods, and educational tools with a focus on Hawaiian culture and language.

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Cymz Sweet Kre8tionz

We make your life easier by creating beautiful, and flavorful confectionary desserts.
You dream it, we bake it.

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Tru Grindz

We are a small, family-owned catering and lunch wagon business. Established in 2012, and found at the Sunday Market in Kahului.

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Shoreline Design

Beautiful, hand crafted, bespoke lei magnets and other household items.

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Aloha Flower Creations

Welcome to the most gorgeous, lifelike, hypoallergenic silk flower clips handcrafted on Maui.

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