Lei Etiquette - Hawaiian Leis (2024)

FAQs

Lei Etiquette - Hawaiian Leis? ›

Never Refuse a Lei

A lei should be a welcomed celebration of one person's affection to another. Therefore, always accept a lei, never refuse. The proper way to wear a lei is gently draped over the shoulders, hanging down both in front and in back.

Do they still give you a lei when you arrive in Hawaii? Yes, lei greetings are still a popular tradition in Hawaii. While not every visitor automatically receives one upon arrival, many opt to arrange for a lei greeting service in advance.

Refusing a lei is a social faux pas that you can avoid by always graciously accepting a lei when it is presented to you. A lei is often presented with a cheek kiss, and it's important to smile and accept both. If you don't want your kiss on the cheek, you can substitute a hug in thanks for your gift of the lei.

If you live in the continental United States, you will need to check if your floral Lei are made of products allowed to leave Hawaii and just as important, allowed in your Home state. Agricultural inspectors will check your Lei to make sure it isn't made from any prohibited materials.

Never Throw It in the Trash

Instead, you should return the lei to the land or place it in a place of personal significance to you.

It is considered rude to remove your lei in the presence of the person who gave it to you. If you must remove it for practical reasons, it is polite to discreetly take it off and then hang it in a place of honor for all to see.

Yes, it is generally acceptable for non-Hawaiians to wear a lei. A lei is a sign of affection and is often shared with visitors to the Hawaiian islands as a warm welcome. However, doing so carries the responsibility of honoring its rich tradition and the culture it comes from.

A lei should never be thrown away in the trash as it is considered disrespectful. It is customary to return the lei to the earth. You can either remove the flowers from the string* and scatter them in the ocean, bury them or burn them.

Should I wear a lei to a luau? ›

Fresh flower leis are a must-have accessory at a luau party, symbolizing love, respect, and aloha spirit. Must luaus will welcome you with one!

Lei greetings are not free, and they don't happen automatically when you disembark from your flight – you need to plan ahead. A lay in Hawaii can be arranged right at the airport when you arrive, and there are a number of companies that will perform a Hawaiian lei greeting with “Aloha!”.

Are leis appropriate if you are not Polynesian? Although people of Polynesian descent traditionally wear leis, many people believe anyone may wear, give and receive leis if they do it respectfully, according to Hawaiian Island Weddings.

Let us greet you with a traditional fresh flower lei upon your arrival, or surprise someone special with this beautiful Hawaiian custom.

Popular lei for men to be gifted with for their birthdays include kukui nut and ti leaf lei, cigar or cigar mix varieties, and really anything and everything in between.

A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor or greeting. In essence, it is a symbol of Aloha. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty and rank.

Yes, it is generally acceptable for non-Hawaiians to wear a lei. A lei is a sign of affection and is often shared with visitors to the Hawaiian islands as a warm welcome. However, doing so carries the responsibility of honoring its rich tradition and the culture it comes from.

In Hawaiian culture, a flower behind a woman's right ear indicates that she is single. If the flower is behind her left ear, it indicates that she is engaged, married, or dating.