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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!

Saturday

May 2027

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEMay 1

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYCulture

SUBCATEGORYRegional

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

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!

TIMELINE

Lei Day Timeline

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.

First Official Lei Day

The first official Lei Day is celebrated in Honolulu, featuring music, hula performances, lei making demonstrations, and contests.

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.

Statewide Recognition

Lei Day becomes a recognized holiday across all islands in the state of Hawaii, expanding the celebrations beyond Honolulu.

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.

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.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Lei Day

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.

ATTEND

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.

HOST

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.

VISIT

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.

LEARN

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 THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love Lei Day

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!

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!

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.