Lei Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Lei Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Lei Day is observed on May 1st.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Lei Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as cool facts you may want to know about Lei Day.

📅 What day is Lei Day 2024?

In 2024, Lei Day is on Monday, May 1st. It is the 1st Monday in May; in 2024, it is Wednesday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all fascinating details and facts about May 1, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Lei Day, celebrated on the first of May, is a special day in Hawaii that honors the tradition of giving and wearing beautiful flower necklaces called leis. These leis are made from flowers that are native to the tropical Hawaiian islands. On Lei Day, guests are welcomed with leis as a symbol of hospitality and warmth. Each island has its own unique lei, and Maui’s lei is called the pink Lokilani rose. Whether you have been to Hawaii before or not, Lei Day is a chance to imagine the beauty of the islands and plan a future trip to explore their stunning green coastlines. The celebrations on Lei Day include exciting events across the islands, featuring delicious food and live music as always.

📜 Lei Day History

The lei holds great significance in the history and culture of the native Hawaiians. The vibrant and lush islands are well-known for their beauty and bring a sense of peace and joy to anyone who visits or sees pictures of them. Each island has its own distinct flower, such as the striking red lehua blossom on the Big Island or the bright yellow Kauna’o flower on Lanai.

Lei Day was established in 1929, but the celebrations actually began in 1927 at the Bank of Hawaii before being moved to Kapi’olani Park. This special day embraces the diverse cultures that have made Hawaii their home, with ceremonies that can sometimes become heated as they highlight the different cultural influences. The blending of these various cultural components has resulted in a unique hybrid culture, encompassing everything from music to dance.

However, there are concerns that as time passes, the blending of cultures across the islands may lead to the loss of Hawaiian cultural identity and ethnic values. Lei Day, on the other hand, goes beyond this conflict by honoring and sharing Hawaiian culture with others.

✅ Lei Day Facts

🔖 Lei greeting
The tradition of welcoming ships with leis started during the late 1800s and early 1900s when the islands received numerous visitors.

🔖 Teeth and bones were used as ornaments

🔖 Leis were signs of love for gods
In the past, leis were commonly offered as presents or regarded as symbols of affection and reverence towards the deities of Hawaii.

👍 Why Is Lei Day Important

It honors the centuries-old Hawaiian custom of making, gifting, and wearing a lei. Lacy ferns, glittering ti leaves, polished kukui nuts, feathers, seeds, and delicate shells can all be found in leis. These days, they are typically woven or embroidered with flowers.

The occasion urges people to be nice and welcoming to their friends and guests. It’s also a sweet gesture to share what they have.

It reflects a pleasant aspect of Hawaiian culture. It promotes cultural understanding and brings people together.

🙂 How To Observe Lei Day

⚡ Watch a beauty pageant

⚡ Give leis as gifts
On Lei Day, it is customary to give leis as presents to your loved ones. This act is a way to honor Hawaiian culture and embrace the aloha spirit, which is all about showing love and affection to others without expecting anything in return.

⚡ Participate in the festival
Similar to the Miss America pageant, young ladies compete for the title of “Lei Day Queen.”

📅 When is Lei Day?

See all 🔗 May holidays, including 🔗 Cultural and other 🔗 Festivities holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and fun facts about Lei Day. So be sure to check back soon.