Lei Day

What is Lei Day?

Lei Day is a cherished cultural celebration observed annually on May 1st across the Hawaiian Islands. It is a day dedicated to honoring the age-old Hawaiian tradition of lei-making and the pervasive spirit of aloha that defines the islands' culture. More than just a festival, Lei Day is a vibrant expression of Hawaiian identity, bringing communities together to share in the beauty of nature, artistry, and hospitality. The holiday serves as a reminder of the deep connection between the people of Hawaii and their environment, celebrating the art of weaving flowers, leaves, and seeds into intricate garlands that carry meaning and emotion.

The essence of Lei Day lies in its simplicity and inclusivity. It is a day where the act of giving and receiving a lei becomes a profound gesture of love, friendship, and respect. The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of plumeria, pikake, and other native blossoms, while the sounds of ukulele, slack-key guitar, and traditional hula fill the air. This celebration is not merely about observing a custom; it is about living the aloha spirit—sharing kindness, welcoming strangers, and honoring the rich tapestry of Hawaiian heritage. The holiday was born from a desire to preserve and promote the art of lei-making, which some felt was waning in the early 20th century, and it has since grown into a statewide tribute to Hawaiian culture.

Unlike many holidays that are rooted in political or religious history, Lei Day is fundamentally about nature and artistry. It encourages people to connect with the land (the ‘āina) by gathering materials for leis, to appreciate the skill of the lei makers, and to partake in the communal joy of celebration. From small school festivities to large public gatherings in Honolulu, the spirit of Lei Day is one of unity and reverence for Hawaiian traditions. It is a day to wear a lei with pride, whether it is a simple flower behind the ear or an elaborate multi-strand garland, and to share in the collective feeling of warmth and goodwill that the holiday inspires.

When is Lei Day in 2026?

In the year 2026, Lei Day will be celebrated on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Lei Day is a fixed-date holiday, always observed on the first day of May, regardless of the day of the week. This year, it falls on a Friday, which may influence how communities and businesses schedule their celebrations and events throughout the day. The choice of May 1st was intentional, aligning the Hawaiian celebration with the international observance of May Day, a traditional spring festival in many cultures. This connection allows Lei Day to serve as Hawaii's unique contribution to the global celebration of spring and renewal, infused with its own distinct cultural significance.

As of today, there are 73 days remaining until the festivities begin. For residents and visitors in Hawaii, this marks the countdown to a day filled with vibrant colors, music, and community gatherings. The date is deeply ingrained in the local calendar, much like other significant cultural observances, and preparations often begin weeks in advance as schools, community organizations, and cultural institutions plan their programs and competitions.

History and Origins

The inception of Lei Day can be traced back to the late 1920s, through the vision of two key individuals: writer Don Blanding and journalist Grace Tower Warren. Don Blanding, often referred to as the "Poet of the Isles," was a prominent figure in Honolulu's cultural scene. In a column published in the Honolulu Star-Bulletin on February 13, 1928, Blanding proposed the idea of a holiday dedicated to the Hawaiian custom of lei-making. He expressed concern that this beautiful tradition was fading and suggested a day to celebrate and encourage its continuation.

Grace Tower Warren, a journalist with the same newspaper, read Blanding’s proposal and responded two days later with a brilliant suggestion: to hold the celebration on May 1st. She coined the memorable phrase, "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii," which quickly captured the public's imagination. The idea resonated deeply with the local community, and the first Lei Day celebration was held on May 1, 1928, in the lobby of the Bank of Hawaiʻi. It was an immediate and resounding success, drawing large crowds who were eager to participate in the festivities.

The celebration quickly gained official recognition. In 1929, the Territory of Hawaii (prior to statehood) officially declared May 1st as Lei Day. This formal acknowledgment cemented the holiday's place in the cultural fabric of the islands. The founders’ primary goal was to create a non-political, non-partisan holiday that would focus solely on celebrating Hawaiian culture and the spirit of aloha. They chose May 1st not only to coincide with the international May Day but also because it marked the beginning of a month when many of Hawaii’s most beautiful flowering plants and trees are in full bloom, providing an abundant supply of materials for lei-making.

Over the decades, Lei Day has evolved from a simple flower exhibition into a comprehensive cultural festival. It has become a day of educational and cultural enrichment, where the art of lei-making is taught to younger generations, and the history and symbolism of leis are celebrated. The holiday has remained true to its origins, continuing to be a day of pure cultural celebration, free from commercialization, and dedicated to the simple, profound act of sharing a lei.

How People Celebrate Lei Day

Lei Day is celebrated with a wide array of activities that showcase the diversity and richness of Hawaiian culture. The main event takes place in Honolulu at Kapiʻolani Park, where a grand celebration unfolds from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 1st. This central gathering features continuous island musical performances, showcasing the talents of local musicians who play traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music. Hula performances are a cornerstone of the event, with halau hula (hula schools) from across Oʻahu presenting both ancient (kahiko) and modern (ʻauana) hula.

A key highlight of the Kapiʻolani Park celebration is the world-renowned Lei Contest. This prestigious competition draws entries from master lei makers across the state, displaying incredible artistry and creativity. Leis are judged on various criteria, including color, design, craftsmanship, and the use of traditional or innovative materials. Categories include Hawaiian quilt leis, feather leis, braided leis, and the popular "free-form" leis. The public can view these stunning creations, which are often intricate works of art that can take weeks or even months to complete.

In addition to the main event in Honolulu, each island hosts its own unique Lei Day festivities. On Maui, celebrations often take place at the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center, featuring lei-making demonstrations, cultural performances, and the crowning of a Lei Day Queen. The Big Island (Hawaiʻi Island) holds events at the Hilo Lagoon, with a focus on the unique flora of the island. Kauaʻi and Molokaʻi also have their own community-based celebrations, each reflecting the distinct cultural character of the island.

Across the state, schools play a vital role in celebrating Lei Day. Many schools hold May Day programs, which often include a Royal Court presentation. Students are selected to represent the Hawaiian monarchy, dressing in traditional attire and wearing leis and colors specific to their designated island. This is an important educational component, teaching children about Hawaiian history and the symbolism of the islands. The festivities also include lei-making workshops where people of all ages can learn the basics of creating their own leis, from simple single-strand leis to more complex designs.

The act of giving and receiving leis is central to the day's celebrations. People exchange leis with family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers as a gesture of aloha. Many businesses and organizations also participate by giving leis to their employees or customers. The day is marked by a palpable sense of community and shared joy, as people come together to appreciate the beauty of their culture and the natural world.

Traditions and Customs

Lei Day is steeped in traditions that connect the past with the present, reinforcing the cultural values of the Hawaiian people. The most fundamental tradition is the making and giving of leis. A lei is not merely a decorative garland; it is a symbol of love, friendship, respect, and the aloha spirit. The type of flower, the color, and the way it is constructed can all carry specific meanings. For example, a lei made from the vibrant red lehua flower of the ʻōhiʻa tree is often associated with love and passion, while a white pikake lei symbolizes purity and elegance.

A unique and poignant tradition associated with Lei Day occurs on May 2nd, the day after the main celebration. The fresh flower leis that were entered in the Lei Contest are carefully gathered and taken to two sacred historical sites: Mauna ‘Ala, the Royal Mausoleum, and Kawaiāhaʻo Church. At these locations, the beautiful leis are placed upon the graves and tombs of Hawaii’s royalty and other prominent historical figures. This act serves as a profound gesture of respect and remembrance, connecting the living celebration of Lei Day with the legacy of the Hawaiian monarchy and honoring those who have shaped the islands' history.

Each of the main Hawaiian islands is traditionally represented by a specific flower and color, a custom that is prominently displayed during Lei Day celebrations. People often wear leis made from their island’s designated flower or in the colors of their island. This tradition reinforces the unique identity of each island while celebrating the unity of the Hawaiian archipelago. The designated flowers are: Oʻahu: The yellow ilima flower. Maui: The pink lokelani (Damask rose). Kauaʻi: The purple mokihana berry. Hawaiʻi (The Big Island): The red lehua flower of the ʻōhiʻa tree. Molokaʻi: The white kukui blossom. Lānaʻi: The yellow kaunaoa (a native vine).

• Niʻihau: The pink pupu (shell).

The spirit of "random acts of kindness and sharing" is another deeply ingrained tradition of Lei Day. The holiday encourages people to be more open, welcoming, and generous. It is common for people to share leis with those they might not know well, breaking down social barriers and fostering a sense of community. This emphasis on hospitality and inclusiveness is a direct expression of the aloha spirit, which is the guiding philosophy of the day. The celebration is intentionally "nonpolitical and nonpartisan," focusing solely on the cultural and natural heritage of Hawaii, making it a day of pure, unifying joy.

Is Lei Day a Public Holiday?

Lei Day is an officially recognized holiday in the State of Hawaii, but it is not a federal public holiday in the United States. This distinction is important for understanding how the day is observed in terms of work, school, and business operations.

Because it is not a federal holiday, most businesses and services across the United States mainland will operate on a normal schedule on May 1st. However, within Hawaii, its official status does carry significant weight. State and county government offices, as well as public schools in Hawaii, are typically closed on Lei Day. This allows state employees and students to fully participate in the celebrations and cultural activities that take place across the islands. The closure of schools is particularly important, as it enables students to take part in their school's May Day programs and Lei Day festivities.

For the general public, the status of Lei Day means it is a "business as usual" day in most sectors, with a few notable exceptions. Banks, for example, may have special hours or events, but they are not required to close. The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will run on its regular schedule, and federal courts and offices will remain open. Retail stores, restaurants, and tourist attractions in Hawaii often remain open, and many actually see increased business due to the influx of locals and tourists participating in the day's events. Some businesses may choose to close early or allow employees to take time off to celebrate, but this is at the employer's discretion rather than a legal requirement.

In essence, while Lei Day holds immense cultural significance and is officially sanctioned by the State of Hawaii, its recognition does not extend to a mandatory day off for all workers in the United States. For residents of Hawaii, however, it functions much like a public holiday, with government offices and schools closed, allowing the community to pause and honor its unique cultural heritage. For visitors, it offers a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic Hawaiian culture, but they should not expect widespread closures or disruptions to federal services.