In Hawaiʻi, the moment a lei is placed around your shoulders, you feel a shift, like you’ve been welcomed not just into a place, but into a feeling. A lei is more than a beautiful string of flowers. It’s a gesture, a connection, and one of the most iconic symbols of Hawaiian culture. From ancient rituals to modern celebrations, the tradition of giving and receiving lei has endured for centuries, and continues to hold deep meaning on the islands today.
If you’ve ever been curious about what a Hawaii lei necklace really means, how it’s made, or whether you can wear one yourself, this guide is your invitation to learn, appreciate, and maybe even try making one during your stay at our Big Island bed and breakfast.
What Is a Hawaiian Lei Necklace?
At its simplest, a lei is a garland or necklace made from flowers, leaves, shells, feathers, or seeds. You’ll see the most common version, the flower lei, worn around the neck, but there are also lei worn on the head (haku), on the wrist (kupeʻe), or even made into adornments for homes, ceremonies, or sacred spaces.
The lei is one of the most recognizable symbols of Hawai‘i. While it’s often associated with celebrations or tourist welcomes, its roots go much deeper than that. Traditionally, lei were worn by royalty and used as offerings to gods and ancestors. They also served as expressions of love, friendship, respect, mourning, and gratitude. Today, these meanings remain, and you’ll find lei presented at graduations, weddings, birthdays, retirements, and other meaningful moments in life.
The History and Cultural Significance of the Lei
The origins of lei-making in Hawai‘i are tied to early Polynesian voyagers who brought both the tradition and the native plants used to create them. In ancient Hawai‘i, lei were woven into daily life and spiritual practice. They were often used to distinguish rank, celebrate milestones, or offer respect to gods or aliʻi (chiefs). Different types of lei were created depending on the purpose, season, or the mana (spiritual energy) of the materials.
Lei-making was considered a sacred skill, passed down through generations. Certain lei, such as the intricate lei hulu (feather lei), were reserved for Hawaiian royalty. Others were made from hala fruit or kukui nuts, each carrying its own story and symbolism.
Among the earliest flowers used in traditional lei was the ʻōhiʻa lehua blossom, a bright red bloom with deep cultural meaning. Closely linked to the volcano goddess Pele and the stories of love and transformation that surround her, the lehua has long symbolized strength, beauty, and renewal. Native to Hawaiʻi, it was one of the first flowers to grow from new lava fields, making it especially meaningful in places like Volcano. While it’s not commonly used in modern lei due to conservation efforts, its presence in the forest is a living symbol of Hawaiian heritage.
Over time, the tradition evolved, blending ancient practices with modern expression. But the essence remains: to give a lei is to offer a piece of yourself. It’s a symbol of affection, goodwill, and aloha.
What Do Hawaiian Lei Symbolize?
While lei can be given for nearly any occasion, their deeper meaning lies in the spirit with which they are offered. A lei symbolizes aloha, not just as a word of greeting or love, but in the broader sense of compassion, harmony, and human connection.
The flowers or materials used in a lei also carry symbolism. Plumeria is often associated with positivity and new beginnings. Tuberose symbolizes love and affection. Maile, with its leafy vine and earthy scent, is used in traditional weddings and symbolizes peace and honor. The hala fruit, used in lei hala, represents transition and change, often given during rites of passage.
Visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park may come across fresh lei left at scenic overlooks, lava tubes, or near Halemaʻumaʻu Crater. These are often offerings to Pele, the revered Hawaiian goddess of volcanoes and fire. Leaving a lei at the summit is a gesture of respect, thanks, or prayer, connecting the giver to the spirit of the land. While visitors are welcome to observe, it’s important not to touch or remove these lei, as they hold deep personal and cultural meaning.
Hawaii Lei Flowers: Nature’s Gift to Culture
One of the most beautiful parts of this tradition is the connection between nature and people. Many of the flowers used in Hawaii lei necklaces are grown locally, and their selection often depends on what’s in bloom.
You might encounter lei made from:
- Plumeria: Soft, fragrant petals with colors ranging from white to bright pink and yellow.
- Orchid: Durable and long-lasting, often used in the purple and white styles popular with travelers.
- Tuberose: Known for its sweet aroma.
- Crown Flower: A favorite of Queen Liliʻuokalani, Hawai‘i’s last reigning monarch.
- Hala: From the pandanus tree, used to create the sacred lei hala with woven orange keys or fruit.
Each blossom used in a lei is selected with care and arranged with intention. Part of the beauty lies in the impermanence. Leis are meant to be worn, enjoyed, and returned to the earth, just like the flowers themselves.
How to Make a Hawaiian Lei Necklace
Lei-making, or haku hana lei, is a meditative, creative process that invites you to slow down and connect with your materials. There are several methods of making lei, depending on the flowers or materials used. These include:
- Kui: The most common method, where flowers are strung through the center with a needle and thread, like a necklace.
- Hili: Braiding or twisting leaves or stems together.
- Wili: Wrapping plant materials around a base using raffia or other natural fibers.
- Haku: A woven lei, usually made for the head, using a base of ferns and leaves.
If you’re curious about trying it yourself, check the Volcano Art Center’s calendar for lei-making workshops throughout the year. They also offer an online lei-making course with Randy Lee, a master lei maker who teaches how to make a lei hala. It’s a great way to engage with the culture during your time in Volcano Village or after you’ve returned home.
Can I Wear a Hawaiian Lei Necklace if I’m Not Hawaiian?
The tradition of giving lei is rooted in inclusion and hospitality. You don’t have to be Hawaiian to wear or enjoy a lei, but it’s important to understand and honor what it represents. Accept a lei with gratitude, wear it with intention, and never remove it in front of the person who gave it to you. When you’re ready to discard a lei, never throw it in the trash. Instead, return it to nature. Place it under a tree, float it in the ocean, or bury it in the ground as a respectful way of closing the experience.
Being mindful of these small gestures goes a long way in showing your appreciation for Hawaiian culture. The spirit of aloha is meant to be shared, and by embracing it with sincerity, you become part of the story.
A Touch of Aloha at Volcano Village Estates
If you want to experience the warmth of a lei greeting yourself, explore our packages to add a special touch to your stay at Volcano Village Estates. Our Couples Lei Greeting is a peaceful way to begin your stay. Upon arrival in your room, you’ll be welcomed with a fresh flower lei and the aloha spirit that comes with it, a time-honored tradition that brings immediate connection to the islands.
For something even different than the traditional Hawaiian lei necklace, our Floral Haku Lei is a beautiful, sweet-smelling crown of seasonal flowers and foliage, carefully woven to be worn and cherished. It’s perfect for special moments like vow renewals, anniversaries, or simply to celebrate your time in the rainforest. These enhancements are small gestures, but they’re full of meaning, and they help you carry a piece of Hawaiʻi with you wherever you go.
Experience the Spirit of Aloha
Wearing a Hawaii lei necklace is more than just enjoying a tropical tradition; it’s about honoring the culture, embracing the connection, and opening your heart to the stories that surround you. From the blossoms themselves to the hands that string them, each lei is a gift.
During your stay at Volcano Village Estates, we invite you to discover the meaning of aloha not just through your surroundings, but through the experiences you take with you. Whether you explore a local lei workshop, surprise a loved one with a handcrafted arrangement, or simply pause to admire the lei you’ve received, let it be a reminder of where you are and how it made you feel.
Book your stay and experience the traditions, flavors, and natural beauty of Volcano for yourself.