Lei Day

Lei Day is an American holiday dedicated to leis, the floral necklaces made from tropical flowers. These necklaces are a vibrant part of Hawaiian culture and are in high demand on the islands. Lei Day is celebrated annually on May 1.

History

Lei Day was officially established as a holiday in 1929, although it had been celebrated for a few years prior. On this day, colorful festivals and various events are held, where visitors can buy pre-made leis and learn how to create their own flower necklaces.

Hawaii is a unique place where the local population makes great efforts to preserve their traditions. While Hawaii is now an official U.S. state, the islands have managed to retain their distinctive cultural identity. Alongside English, Hawaiian is recognized as a second official language, allowing locals to maintain their native tongue freely.

Hawaii’s tourism industry began to grow in 1866, after Mark Twain published an article about the islands in a San Francisco newspaper. Since then, the number of tourists has increased steadily each year, as more people wish to experience the tropical beauty and rich culture of the islands.

Interesting Facts

• Flower leis are the main symbol of Hawaii and are traditionally given to guests upon arrival as a sign of hospitality.
• The distance from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland is approximately 3,700 kilometers.
• Hawaii welcomes about 6 million tourists annually.

How to Celebrate

The best way to celebrate Lei Day is to visit Hawaii and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the tropical islands. If you can’t make it to Hawaii, find instructional videos on how to weave leis and try making your own using flowers you have available. You can also throw a Hawaiian-themed party to celebrate.

Share your Lei Day celebrations on social media. Ask your friends and followers if they’ve ever been to Hawaii and what their impressions were.

When is Lei Day in 2025?

Lei Day is observed on May 1 each year.

Observations