Flower Leis: From Polynesian Voyagers To Boat Days

Flower leis...

History tells us that the custom of giving and receiving of beautiful flower leis was introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, presenting lei as friendship gifts. These adventurers took an incredible journey from Tahiti, navigating by the stars in sailing canoes. With these early settlers, the lei tradition in Hawaii was born.

Flower leis were constructed of not only of flowers, but also of leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers, and even bone and teeth of various animals. These garlands were worn by ancient Hawaiians to beautify themselves and distinguish themselves from others.

The Maile lei are perhaps the most significant. Among other sacred uses, it was used to signify a peace agreement between opposing chiefs. In a heiau (temple), the chiefs would symbolically intertwine the green Maile vine, and its completion officially established peace between the two groups.

With the advent of tourism in the islands, the lei quickly became the symbol of Hawaii to millions of visitors worldwide.

During the "Boat Days" of the early 1900s, lei vendors lined the pier at Aloha Tower to welcome malihini (visitors) to the islands and kama'aina (locals) back home. It is said that departing visitors would throw their lei into the sea as the ship passed Diamond Head, in the hopes that like the lei, they too would return to the islands again some day.

With today's air travel, things are a little faster paced. But visitors can easily bring back the nostalgia of old Hawaii by ordering a traditional flower lei greeting for their arrival at the Honolulu International Airport. It's a warm, wonderful way to begin a Hawaiian vacation.

Learn more about Hawaiian flower wedding leis, Orchids, Plumeria, Tuberose and more...
or