Discover the lesser-known roles of lei in Hawaiian culture and learn thoughtful tips to select the perfect lei for each occasion
“Any kind of moment in life calls for lei,” said Makana Mānoa, an adjunct faculty member from the Jonathan Nāpela Center for Hawaiian & Pacific Studies. She said lei serves many purposes, from commemorations and celebrations to personal appreciation of nature’s beauty. “The meaning [of each lei] depends on the setting. Lei can represent different deities in hula, lei can be used as protection and lei can be symbols of love, time, effort, support, congratulations and condolences,” she explained.
While a lei can be worn on almost any occasion, Mānoa emphasized the symbolism of each material should be carefully considered. Lei Hala, she explained, represents passing on, making it appropriate for funerals as it honors the deceased’s legacy and consoles the living. She added Lei Hala can also be given at graduations to mark the end of a journey. “But it’s unsuitable for weddings—you don’t want their marriage to pass away,” she said.
To simplify choosing lei for different occasions, Mānoa suggested using non-native Hawaiian flowers and plants. “Plants like plumeria, pikake and puakenikeni are safe options. These introduced species don’t carry specific cultural symbolism, but they are beautiful and fragrant,” she said. When using native plants to incorporate symbolism in lei, she emphasized the importance of researching each material, as many hold special meanings or embody specific deities.
Even though traditional occasions like chiefly ceremonies or offerings for Akua are rarely practiced in modern society, Mānoa said the practice of lei-making remains significant in Hawaiian culture. “If you stop making lei and giving lei, you are losing a beautiful part of your culture and identity,” she expressed.
The meaning and value of lei, Mānoa explained, are preserved across changing contexts as the love, effort and emotion behind each one have been passed down through generations. “There’s so much power in a lei—the time, care and ancestry woven into it. When you wear one, you feel all the emotions of a big hug. Lei carry a special mana, and you don’t want to lose that,” she expressed.
Everyday Life
From religious offerings to personal adornment, lei have been an everywhere ornament traditionally.
Wedding
“Lei Maile,” symbolizing courtship and romance, is often worn by brides and grooms, although other lei are also used. Guests may be adorned with lei as well.
Paniolo’s parade and rodeo
“Lei papale” is used to secure cowboy hats. Paniolo often draped horses with lei for parades and rodeos.
Funeral
“Lei Hala,” with hala meaning “to move on” and “to pass on,” symbolizes healing after loss and honors the legacy of loved ones.
Greetings
Making and giving lei is a gesture of aloha, expressing love, honor, farewell and congratulations.
Hula performance
Worn by hula performers, lei serve both as decoration and as a spiritual connection to the environment, symbolizing reciprocity.
Communication with God
Used in religious rituals, lei symbolize gratitude to the akua (deities) and appeal for inspiration and enlightenment.
Illness
Worn during healing, lei provide physical, emotional and spiritual remedy throughout treatment.
War
“Lei o manō”, or a shark’s lei, refers to a handheld shark-tooth dagger used by an aliʻi (chief).
Sources: National Tropical Botanical Garden; Hawaii Land Trust; Hawaiian Dictionaries; Paniolo Preservation Society; Lei Day.Org; University of Hawaii, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources