North Shore Locals: Crafting Hawaii’s Most Beautiful Leis
Discover how North Shore artisans craft stunning Hawaiian leis and preserve ancient traditions.
How North Shore Locals Make the Most Beautiful Leis in Hawaii
Hawaii’s lei-making tradition stands as one of the most cherished and iconic cultural practices in the islands. When you think of Hawaii, one of the first images that comes to mind is often a vibrant garland of flowers draped around someone’s neck—a lei. But beyond its visual beauty, the lei represents something much deeper: aloha, respect, honor, and the preservation of an ancient Polynesian heritage. On Oahu’s North Shore, dedicated artisans continue to craft these magnificent garlands using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. Their work tells stories of resilience, cultural pride, and an unwavering commitment to keeping Hawaiian traditions alive.
Meeting the Artisans: Guardians of Tradition
Among the North Shore’s most respected lei makers is Patricia, a legendary figure whose contributions to Hawaiian culture have made her an icon throughout the local community. Patricia’s journey with lei-making began in the 1960s when she worked as a dancer at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie. When her family migrated from Tahiti to Oahu, she found purpose in dancing at the luaus, using the art form as a means to preserve the allure of old Polynesia and its rich traditions. Once recognized as the best luau dancer at the center, Patricia transitioned her passion for cultural preservation into lei-making, becoming a master of the haku technique. Her stories of growing up in Laie and her tireless efforts to instill cultural pride in her community and family members demonstrate the deep connection between lei-making and personal identity in Hawaiian culture.
Working alongside artisans like Patricia is the next generation of lei makers, including young artists like Kiana, who continue to learn and master these traditional techniques. Through their dedication, these North Shore locals ensure that the ancient art form doesn’t merely survive but flourishes, attracting visitors and inspiring locals alike to appreciate the complexity and beauty of Hawaiian cultural traditions.
The Rich History of Lei Making
Lei, the Hawaiian word for garland or wreath, holds profound historical and cultural significance that extends back centuries. The tradition of lei-making served as a sacred means of giving gifts to the gods in ancient Polynesian practice. Ancient Hawaiians crafted leis from an extraordinary variety of materials, including flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, nuts, feathers, and even bone and teeth of various animals. These weren’t merely decorative items—they were expressions of identity, status, and spiritual connection.
In ancient times, Hawaiians wore leis to beautify themselves and distinguish themselves from others within their communities. The type of lei one wore often indicated social status. For instance, the Kukui nut lei was reserved exclusively for the Alii, or Hawaiian royalty, making it a symbol of power and prestige. As Hawaiian culture evolved and other cultures influenced the islands, the lei-making tradition adapted while maintaining its core values.
During the early 1900s, the lei became a symbol of aloha and welcome. Lei vendors lined the pier at Aloha Tower during the “Boat Days” to greet malihini (visitors) arriving in Hawaii and welcome back kama’aina (local residents). The practice of throwing leis into the sea as departing ships sailed away became a romantic tradition, symbolizing the hope that visitors would one day return to the islands. This practice continues today, cementing the lei’s role as an emblem of Hawaii’s spirit.
The Meaning and Symbolism of Different Lei Types
While all leis carry the essence of aloha, different types of leis hold distinct meanings and serve specific purposes in Hawaiian culture. Understanding these distinctions provides insight into the complexity and thoughtfulness embedded in Hawaiian traditions.
Lei Po’o and Lei ‘Āʻī
Lei po’o refers to leis worn around the head, typically fashioned like a crown. These are traditionally created using the haku technique, which braids plants such as native ferns and ti leaves. Lei ‘āʻī, on the other hand, are the most recognizable leis—those worn around the neck. These are typically created using the lei kui technique, which involves stringing flowers together with a needle.
The Maile Lei: Symbol of Peace
Among all lei types, the Maile lei holds perhaps the most sacred significance in Hawaiian history. The Maile lei, made from the green Maile vine, was used to signify peace agreements between opposing chiefs. In a Heiau (temple), conflicting chiefs would symbolically intertwine the Maile vine, and its completion officially established peace between the two groups. This tradition demonstrates how lei transcended decoration to become a diplomatic and spiritual tool.
Common Materials and Their Significance
Different flowers and leaves used in leis carry their own meanings. Plumeria blossoms, Pikake blossoms, and Orchid blossoms are among the most popular choices for modern lei-making. Each flower variety brings its own aesthetic and fragrance profile. Maile leaves, with their distinctive aroma, are prized for their spiritual properties. These material choices reflect the maker’s intention and the message they wish to convey through their creation.
Traditional Lei-Making Techniques
The art of lei-making encompasses several distinct techniques, each with its own history, application, and aesthetic result. North Shore artisans master multiple techniques, choosing the right method based on their desired outcome and available materials.
Lei Haku: The Braiding Method
The haku technique is one of the most distinctive methods used by North Shore lei makers. The word “haku” refers to a lei-making approach where flowers and greenery are sewn or braided with the “face-out,” creating a full, dimensional appearance. This method requires skill and patience, as each element must be positioned carefully to showcase its natural beauty. Haku leis are often worn as lei po’o (head leis), creating a stunning crown-like effect. The haku technique allows artisans like Patricia to create elaborate, multi-textured pieces that showcase the full spectrum of colors and forms.
Lei Kui: The Stringing Method
Lei kui is perhaps the most common and beloved lei-making tradition. Kui is the term for needle, and this technique refers to piercing or stringing things together. Lei kui are most often worn around the neck as lei ‘āʻī. Specialized lei needles ranging from 10 to 18 inches long are used in this technique, and multiple blossoms are pierced and bunched together on the needle’s length before being gently pulled along the string in sections to create a finished lei. Flowers such as ginger, pikake, pakalana, and plumeria are island favorites created using this efficient time-honored technique.
Lei Hilo: The Twisting Method
Lei hilo, which means to twist or braid, is a very popular and convenient lei-making method used not only for lei but in the making of cordage. Lāʻī (tī leaves) are the most common material used for lei hilo. Two stripped or cut pieces of lāʻī are twisted together to form a rope. This technique and style of lei is popular because lāʻī are readily available and possess cleansing and healing properties associated with safety and purity. To prepare lāʻī for this style of lei, artisans soften the leaves by ironing them on low heat, heating them in the microwave in 15-second increments, boiling them in water, or rolling them up and placing them in the freezer overnight.
Lei Hīpuʻu: The Knotting Method
Another important lei-making method is known as hīpuʻu or kīpuʻu, with hīpuʻu referring to a knot, bond, fastening, or the act of tying a knot. Lei hīpuʻu are often made with lau kukui, the leaves of the kukui tree, which have long, flexible, and durable stems. To create a lei hīpuʻu kukui, one faces a leaf downwards and overlaps it with another downward-facing kukui leaf. The two leaves are then tied securely together with a knot at their stems. This process continues with additional leaves and knots, forming a chain of lau kukui that creates the finished lei.
Lei Hili: The Single-Material Braiding
Hili means to braid or plait, and unlike lei haku, which uses at least two types of floral materials, lei hili are braided using only one type of material. Ferns and vines are commonly used for this method. Fragrant maile, luxurious palapalai ferns, and bright yellow-orange kauna’oa are favorite materials for lei hili, each bringing unique visual appeal and fragrance.
Lei Humupapa: The Sewn Method
Lei humupapa represents a more structured approach where materials are sewn to a backing. Feather lei that adorn pāpale (hats) and the beautiful floral lei worn by horses during annual parades are all lei humupapa. Foliage is sewn using string and needle onto a strip of lāʻī, lau hala (pandanus leaves), felt, burlap, or other materials. The size of the needle and strength of the string used depend on the type of foliage and flowers being attached. Dainty sewing needles are used for delicate blooms or feathers, while sturdier needles used for carpet or upholstery work are sometimes preferred for attaching thicker and heavier flowers and foliage.
Cultural Significance and The Meaning of Lei
In Polynesian culture, a lei is not simply a beautiful accessory—it is a carefully crafted expression of human connection. A lei is created by somebody and given to another person to honor or decorate that person or as a sign of affection. Leis have been given as greetings or farewells, and they continue to mark important moments: given for friendship, appreciation, love, congratulations, and recognition. The act of creating and presenting a lei is a mindful, intentional practice that infuses aloha into every stage of the process.
The phrase “Lei ‘o uka i ka ‘ohu, Lei ‘o loko i ke aloha” translates to “The mist wreaths the uplands, love adorns the heart.” This poetic saying captures the essence of lei-making—it is not just about external beauty but about the love and intention placed within each creation. North Shore artisans like Patricia understand this deeply. When they craft a lei, they are not merely performing a technical task; they are participating in a sacred cultural practice that connects them to their ancestors and to the people who will receive their creations.
Preserving Heritage on the North Shore
The North Shore of Oahu has become a sanctuary for lei-making traditions, with local artisans working tirelessly to ensure that these ancient practices are not lost to modernization. Communities like Laie have fought to instill the same sense of pride in their children, passing down not just the technical skills but also the spiritual and cultural values embedded in lei-making. These artisans understand that they are guardians of a heritage that extends far beyond the islands—it represents the resilience of Polynesian people and their commitment to celebrating beauty, connection, and tradition.
Through their work, artists like Patricia demonstrate that cultural preservation is not a static endeavor. Throughout the arts, crafts, and lively song and dance, the rich Polynesian history is kept alive and freely flowing into the future. Young people like Kiana continue to learn these techniques, ensuring that when visitors arrive in Hawaii or locals celebrate important life events, the lei-making tradition remains vibrant and accessible.
Experiencing Lei-Making: Visitor Opportunities
For those visiting Hawaii or living on Oahu, numerous opportunities exist to learn lei-making from local artisans. The Ritz Carlton at Turtle Bay on the North Shore offers lei-making classes where visitors can craft orchid leis with 42 flowers. Little Plumeria Farms leads sunset lei-making tours that include guided strolls through rare plumeria gardens and the opportunity to pick and string your own flowers. These experiences allow visitors to appreciate the skill and dedication required to create these beautiful garlands while supporting local artisans and cultural practitioners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the most common lei-making technique?
A: Lei kui, which involves stringing flowers together using a specialized needle, is the most common and beloved lei-making tradition. It is used to create lei ‘āʻī (neck leis) with flowers like ginger, pikake, pakalana, and plumeria.
Q: What do different leis symbolize in Hawaiian culture?
A: Different leis carry distinct meanings. The Maile lei symbolizes peace, lei po’o (head leis) are often created for special occasions, and lei ‘āʻī (neck leis) are worn for everyday celebration and greeting. Each lei type and flower choice reflects specific cultural intentions and meanings.
Q: Who was Patricia and why is she important to North Shore lei-making culture?
A: Patricia is a legendary lei maker and cultural icon who began her journey in the 1960s as a dancer at the Polynesian Cultural Center. She became known as the best luau dancer at the center and transitioned into lei-making as a means to preserve Polynesian traditions. She continues to teach and inspire her family and community members.
Q: What materials are traditionally used in lei-making?
A: Traditional lei materials include flowers (plumeria, pikake, orchids), leaves (tī leaves, Maile, kukui), ferns, vines, seeds, shells, and even feathers. The choice of material depends on the desired technique and cultural significance of the lei being created.
Q: How can visitors learn lei-making in Hawaii?
A: Several North Shore establishments offer lei-making classes and tours. The Ritz Carlton at Turtle Bay provides classes for hotel guests and visitors, while Little Plumeria Farms offers sunset lei-making tours that include garden walks and the opportunity to create your own lei from freshly picked flowers.
References
- https://www.ksbe.edu/article/na-ano-hana-lei-types-of-lei-making
- https://www.honolulumagazine.com/lei-making-classes/
- https://camillestyles.com/wellness/travel/how-these-north-shore-locals-make-the-most-beautiful-leis-in-hawaii/
- https://hawaii-magazine.mystagingwebsite.com/how-to-celebrate-lei-day-in-hawaii/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jffS7LRBllg
- https://priorworld.com/editorial/hawaiian-lei-flower-guide-prior-hawaii
- https://hawaiiislander.com/from-lei-day-to-lei-month-exploring-oahus-rich-lei-making-culture/
- https://www.thehalepauhana.com/blog/hawaiian-leis-guide-to-flowers-customs-and-respect
