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Happy Lei Day!

Kristian Lei
May 1, 2017
2 min read

May Day...

Also known as International Workers Day which stretch back over a century to commemorate workers or protest for their rights. For some, May Day is a traditional spring celebration where they have "May Poles." In some places, people mark the holiday by leaving May Day baskets filled with gifts and flowers on the doorsteps of friends. But in Hawai'i, May Day is Lei Day (there is even a song about it). It's not an official holiday, but a statewide celebration of the local Hawaiian culture and the aloha spirit through the creation and giving of lei.

For me May Day is one of those days where the Aloha Spirit is turned up to a 1000.#alohaspiritislit

When its May Day in Hawaii, everyone is involved from the schools, City and County, Community Parks, and even in the work environment.

Small kid time in elementary, intermediate, even high school there was always celebration from each grade.

Check out this picture from my 5th grade May Day celebration. I dare you to try and find me.

5th Grade May Day. (I dare you to find me...)

Yup, that’s us in jeans and in yellow bandannas around our necks because we was Paniolo aka Hawaiian Cowboys and Cowgirls. Yeehaw!! Square dancing to a song called Paniolo Country. Lol.

Take a look in the back row, you will notice there is a royal court in the background to symbolize the royal families of Hawaiian Monarch for each island.

The City and County of Hawai'i puts on a parade every year. When I worked downtown on May Day, I always got to see the preparations of the Royal Court. The Princesses of each island would mount their horses and lead the people of her island home. Before each island start their march, they give an oli (Hawaiian chant/blessing) and as soon as they are done they march. Every Island had an oli each moment was very empowering. Not to mention the King Kamehameha Statue gets leid...alot! It is a sight to see for sure!

One of the favorite activities is checking out Queen Kapiolani Park to see the programs there. The beautiful Lei displays, and of course the food. Nothing beats the food in Hawaii especially if the food comes from festivities in a park. Don’t ask me why, it just always tastes ono when you buy plate lunch in a park - Go figure!

But May Day in Hawai'I, like I said is one of the most beautiful days to experience on any Hawaiian Island the ALOHA is abundant and we as locals celebrate that knowledge to da max!

So if you are in Hawai'i make sure to get a lei and give a lei to someone to show your gratitude. You can even Lei The Duke Statue in Waikiki that is another one that gets choke leis.