May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi! Lei Day celebrates the giving, wearing, and making of lei, the traditional Hawaiian garlands made from flowers, leaves, shells, feathers, or seeds. The celebration began in 1927, initiated by poet and writer Don Blanding, and officially recognized in 1929 by the Territory of Hawaiʻi.

To learn about lei in Hawaiʻi:

• Watch Kumu Hulu Mele Kahalepuna Chun discuss featherworking and lei hulu creation as part of our ʻIke Kaiāulu video series

• Learn how to gather pono from our mascot, Pono the Nēnē. Pono will show you how to get a Forest Reserve System collection permit to gather materials for lei making.