Happy Valentine’s Day

Happy Valentine’s Day from Hawaii!  Love is in the Air!  

I can’t think of a better topic that is more appropriate to discuss on Valentine’s Day than what it means to get LEI’D in Hawaii!  When people think about traveling to Hawaii and what happens after they get off the airplane, their mind takes them to a beautiful local girl that has lots of gorgeous flower lei hanging from her arm to give out to all the arriving visitors!  Not sure how that all started, maybe in the movies or something!?  I do understand the allure though…I mean who doesn’t want to get a Lei when they arrive in Hawaii?  The thought of a “flower necklace” draped around your neck makes you feel amazing and very special!  

FUN FACT:  

The Pua Kenikeni lei is the most fragrant.  Both the orchid and plumeria are the most popular lei.  

The history of the lei dates back to between the 8th-14th centuries when ancient Polynesians voyaged across the Pacific from Tahiti.  Lei was worn as part of their custom and also started as a tradition of greeting someone upon their arrival.  Ancient Hawaiians used lei made of kukui nuts to signify royalty.  Lei also played a role in ranking within the Hawaiian monarchy.  As you can see, lei plays a significant role in the history, the present and the future!

Lei is used in celebrations, is a symbol of love and friendship and is a token of honor.  When you think of Hawaii and the Aloha Spirit, that vision is a flower lei!  It’s basically the symbol of ALOHA!  Lei are not always made of flowers because they are not all created the same!  In addition to flowers, lei can be made with feathers, seeds, shells, leaves, fruit or all the above and more!  Then to throw a wrench into things, lei aren’t always worn around the neck!  They can also be worn on your head!  Yes…your head…and it’s called a Haku Lei.  Not only can you have a beautiful lei around your neck, you can have one on your head too!  The Haku Lei is made a little different but is always made with lots of ALOHA!  

Sending warm wishes from Hawaii!  Hoping that when you visit the islands that you’re lucky enough to receive a lei when you arrive!  That’s a memory that will last a lifetime!  

ALOHA and Happy Valentine’s Day!