Date
Thursday
May

May 1

Lei Day

Get ready to celebrate the beauty and culture of Hawaii on Lei Day - don't forget to wear a beautiful lei and join in on the festivities!

Yearly Date
May 1
Type
Day
Category
Cultural

Introduction

Get ready to celebrate the beautiful and vibrant Hawaiian culture on May 1st, also known as Lei Day! This annual celebration originated in 1927 by poet and writer Don Blanding as a way to honor the Hawaiian custom of making and wearing lei garlands. The tradition has since spread beyond Hawaii and is now celebrated in many different parts of the world. Not only is this day a fun way to learn about Hawaiian traditions, but it's also a great opportunity to spread love and kindness through the giving of lei. So put on your most colorful outfit, grab some flowers, and join in on the festivities!

Lei Day Timeline

1927
Lei Day Inception
Poet and local journalist Don Blanding proposes the idea of celebrating a holiday dedicated to the beautiful Hawaiian tradition of lei-making.
1928
First Official Lei Day
The first official Lei Day is celebrated in Honolulu, featuring music, hula performances, lei making demonstrations, and contests.
1929
Lei Queen Tradition Begins
The tradition of selecting a Lei Day Queen and court, a main feature of Lei Day festivities, is initiated to symbolize the spirit of aloha.
1931
Statewide Recognition
Lei Day becomes a recognized holiday across all islands in the state of Hawaii, expanding the celebrations beyond Honolulu.
1988
May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii
The Hawaiian song "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii" becomes associated with the holiday, promoting further awareness and celebration.
2000s
Global Celebration
Lei Day celebrations extend globally, reflecting the broad influence of Hawaiian culture and the universal symbol of love and friendship that a lei represents.

How to Celebrate Lei Day

1

Make your own lei

Gather some fresh flowers and create your own beautiful lei to wear or give as a gift. There are many tutorials available online to help you make different styles and designs.

2

Attend a lei-making workshop

Check with your local community center or Hawaiian cultural center to see if they are offering any lei-making workshops. This can be a fun and educational way to celebrate Lei Day.

3

Host a Hawaiian luau

Gather your friends and family for a traditional Hawaiian luau, complete with hula dancing, Hawaiian food, and of course, leis! This is a great way to celebrate the culture and spirit of Lei Day.

4

Visit a botanical garden

Take a trip to a local botanical garden and admire all the beautiful flowers and plants used to make leis. This can be a peaceful and relaxing way to celebrate the day.

5

Learn about Hawaiian culture

Take some time to read about the history and traditions of Lei Day and the importance of leis in Hawaiian culture. This can deepen your appreciation for the holiday and its significance.

Why We Love Lei Day

A

It's a celebration of Hawaiian culture

Lei Day is a special day in Hawaii to honor and appreciate the traditions, customs, and people of the islands. It's a perfect time to learn more about the rich history and unique culture of Hawaii!

B

It's a symbol of love and friendship

In Hawaii, leis are given as a symbol of affection, gratitude, and hospitality. On Lei Day, you can show your appreciation for loved ones by giving them a lei or even making one yourself - it's a wonderful gesture that will surely make someone feel special.

C

It's an opportunity to embrace nature and creativity

Traditionally, leis are made from flowers, leaves, shells, and other natural materials found on the islands. Celebrating Lei Day means getting in touch with nature and creating something beautiful and unique with your hands - and there are endless possibilities for designs and colors!

Lei Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Apr 30
Sunday
2024
Apr 30
Tuesday
2025
Apr 30
Wednesday
2026
Apr 30
Thursday
2027
Apr 30
Friday