As one arrives in Hawaii, the air is filled with the distinct fragrance that seems to float above the excitement of arriving passengers at plane side. The fragrance emanates from the many fragrant flower lei that are traditionally presented to arriving friends, visitors and family upon arriving from a long Trans-Pacific flight. Receiving a flower lei upon arrival in Hawaii is a traditional gesture of "Aloha."
Lei are most popularly known as an expression of love. Lei made of delicate fragrant flowers such as pikake, ginger or puakenikeni are typically meant for a female recipient on the occasion of a first date or prom. Strands of these "romance" flowers are correctly presented in an uneven number of strands. Several strands of pikake would be an indication of more a romantic interest than just three or six strands.
In the event of a funeral or death, it is traditional to present a lei in place of a floral wreath. Caskets are draped in a dizzying array of flowers. The type of lei presented would be an indication of the presenter's relationship to the deceased. maile or ilima lei would indicate respect and sympathy by a co-worker or family friend while those made of pikake, lokelani, mokihana or palakana would indicate that the relationship was much more personal.
Lei also officially represent the different islands of Hawaii much like different states have official state flowers or birds.
The Big Island of Hawaii is represented by the lehua blossom. Found in array of colors including white, yellow and orange, the red variety is the traditional for representation. the blossom of the ohia lehua tree, is typically found growing on the slopes of the islands active volcanoes, it is rumored to produce rain when picked and sacred to the volcano goddess Pele.
The island of Maui is represented by lokelani or "heavenly rose." Pink is the traditional color here. This locally grown variety is smaller and fragrant than other long stem counterparts which make it ideal to weave into "haku" or "wili" style lei.
Moloka`i is represented by the kukui blossom. The tiny white flowers are typically woven into a "haku" style among generous amounts of kukui nut leaves.
kaunaoa is the official lei of Lana`i. Light orange in color, it is more of a vine than a flower. It is gathered and braided or twisted together to fashion an open ended rope style.
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