The art of getting lei’d at your wedding in Hawaii

The Beautiful Leis of Hawaii

Stunning turquoise beaches, spectacular destinations and exciting activities are not the only reasons for tourists to keep coming back to Hawaii. This state is not merely another one attractive spot in the sun. There is an unquestionable characteristic deeply ingrained in Hawaii’s culture and traditions such as the ready smiles given to guests as well as the natural extension of common courtesy. It is widely referred to as the incomparable aloha spirit and guests would only be able to find it here.

Multi light colored plumeria of white and pink flower lei given to the bride as part of the Hawaiian wedding experience

Along with the renowned aloha spirit
Hawaii is strongly associated to the flower necklaces called leis. Strangers in this land are offered sweet-smelling leis as a gesture of welcome to their glorious islands. There is no other thing that could even come remotely close to a lei. The striking tropical exquisiteness of the dainty garland, the lusciously heady scent of its blossoms, and the delicate way that its flowers curl delicately around one’s neck or made into a flower head lei known as a ” haku lei ” these
are just some of its unique qualities.

The groom wears a Maile lei entwined with yellow plumeria flowers matching his brides bouquet , he kisses her hand gently by the side of the waters

Turquoise color flower orchid lei made in Hawaii surround a large Yellow hibiscus

But then, tourists should know that leis are not just an ornamental cluster of flowers. These are also among the greatest means of saying hello, farewell, thank you, congratulations, or even I love you as a wedding lei given by the bride and groom. The tradition of presenting leis could be pinpointed down to the actual roots of the islands. Based from the locals’ customary chants, the very first lei was made out of Lehua blossoms and this was presented by Hiiaka to her sister Pele, which is the Hawaiian volcano goddess, on a beach located in Puna.

The bride gives the traditional Maile lei to her new husband on the beach in Hawaii at her wedding , The Lei is entwined with white fragrant tuberose flowers .

Back in the olden times:
 the leis given to the high-ranking officers called alii were complemented with a respectful bow because it was not allowed for commoners to lift their arms even higher than the head of their king. It was not until World War II that the leis were presented together with a kiss. This custom was frequently credited to a Hawaiian entertainer who was dared to kiss an officer and after kissing him, she proceeded to give him a lei, explaining that what she did was an ancient Hawaiian tradition. Of course, that was not true then, but it sure is nowadays.

How to make a Lei 

The process of making lei is a true Hawaiian art form. All leis are tenderly prepared by hand in an assortment of native patterns. There are some leis that are stitched with numerous delicate shells or blooms as well as small pieces of leaves or ferns. There are several leis that are coiled, some are actually braided and there are also those that are strung. The common denominator of these leis is that all of them are given to guests with love.

Kukui nuts light tan in color with shells and greenery with a white ribbon lay waiting at a beach wedding in Hawaii with a yellow hibiscus

Each Hawaiian Island possesses its personal special flower for their leis, or what they call the lei of their island. For Oahu, their preference is a tiny orange flower named Ilima. Those from the Big Island favor a huge, fragile red puff called Lehua. Maui’s choice is a little rose named Lokelani. The selection of Kauai is the Mokihana and it is a sweet-scented green vine as well as berry. On the island of Molokai, their favorite is the Kukui, which is the Candlenut Tree’s white blossom. For Lanai, they love the Kaunaoa and it is a vivid yellow moss. The natives of Niihau utilize their island’s various seashells in order to create leis that used to be treasured by the Hawaiian royalty  .
Leis are the ideal icon for the Hawaiian Islands..Another Lei that is loved by all the islands is called the plumeria
its is found on every island plus is in many family home gardens in Hawaii.

Many colored flower leis made in Hawaii

Rainbow plumeria lei with a matching flower head lei known as a haku in Hawaiian

Yellow plumeria flower lei for the bride with a green tea leaf lei for the groom with added single plumeria flowers

For more info on Hawaii wedding leis

Please contact our
Hawaii wedding planner
phone: 808 294 9385
email : infi8ity@gmail.com