September marks Hawaiian History Month. At Asian Girls Ignite, we believe it’s essential to reflect on the traditions that have shaped the islands' unique cultural identity. One of the most iconic symbols of Hawaii is the lei—a garland or wreath that carries deep meaning in the hearts of Native Hawaiians. Beyond its beauty, the lei embodies the aloha spirit and is a powerful representation of Hawaiian history, culture, and spirituality.

Hālau Kalama, a Polynesian cultural organization in Aurora, Colorado.

A Symbol of Aloha: The Historical Significance of Leis

The tradition of creating and wearing leis has been a cornerstone of Hawaiian culture for centuries. In ancient Hawaiian society, leis were more than just adornments; they were powerful symbols used to express love, respect, honor, and friendship. Each lei was crafted with intention, its materials carefully chosen to convey specific meanings.

Leis played a central role in religious and ceremonial life. They were offered to the gods during rituals, worn by priests, and used to mark important life events such as births, weddings, and deaths. The materials used in these leis were often significant—certain plants, flowers, and feathers were believed to carry spiritual power and were associated with different deities.

In addition to their spiritual importance, leis were also indicators of social status. The aliʻi, or Hawaiian royalty, often wore elaborate leis made from rare and precious materials, such as the lei hulu, crafted from bird feathers. These leis were not only a symbol of their rank but also a reflection of their connection to the gods and the land.

The Art of Lei Making

Lei making is an art form passed down through generations, with each lei crafted as a unique expression of love and respect. The process of creating a lei involves selecting the appropriate materials, whether they be flowers, leaves, seeds, or shells, and then carefully assembling them using traditional techniques. There are various styles of leis, each with its own method of construction:

Hilo (Twist): A method where the materials are twisted together, often used for leis made from ferns or vines.
Kui (Stringing): A technique that involves threading flowers or other materials onto a string, creating a classic and often colorful lei.
Wili (Wrapping): A style that wraps materials around a central core, often producing a fuller and more intricate lei.

Each style and material holds significance, making every lei a personalized gesture of aloha.

Highlighting Hālau Kalama: Preserving Hawaiian Culture in Colorado

As we honor the significance of the lei during Hawaiian History Month, it's important to acknowledge the incredible work being done by Hawaiian cultural organizations local to us - where AANHPI population is only 4.5% - One such organization is Hālau Kalama in Aurora, Colorado.

Hālau Kalama is dedicated to preserving and promoting Hawaiian culture through education, performances, and community events. This organization plays a pivotal role in keeping Hawaiian traditions alive, far from the islands. Each year, they host Denver Lei Day, an event that brings together the local community to celebrate Hawaiian culture, with a particular focus on the art of lei-making.

Through their programs and events, Hālau Kalama fosters a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture and its values. They provide a space for both Hawaiians and non-Hawaiians to learn about and appreciate the rich heritage of the islands. Whether it’s through hula, music, or the symbolic lei, Hālau Kalama ensures that the spirit of aloha continues to thrive in Denver.

Hawaiian American History: The Journey of the Islands and Their People

The rich traditions of Hawaii, including the art of lei making, are deeply intertwined with the broader history of Hawaii’s journey from an independent kingdom to becoming the 50th state of the United States. This history is marked by both resilience and transformation, as Native Hawaiians navigated significant changes while striving to preserve their cultural identity.

In 1893, the Hawaiian Kingdom was overthrown in a coup led by American businessmen, supported by U.S. military forces.

Queen Liliʻuokalani,

the last reigning monarch of Hawaii, was deposed, and the islands were eventually annexed by the United States in 1898. This period marked a significant shift for Native Hawaiians, as they faced the loss of sovereignty and the imposition of Western laws, customs, and economic systems.
Despite these challenges, Native Hawaiians have maintained a strong connection to their cultural heritage. The lei, in particular, has remained a powerful symbol of resistance and identity. During the early 20th century, as Hawaii became a popular tourist destination, the lei was commercialized and often misrepresented. However, Native Hawaiians continued to honor its true significance, using it to express pride in their heritage and as a form of cultural preservation.

Hawaii officially became a U.S. state on August 21, 1959. While statehood brought political and economic changes, it also spurred a cultural renaissance among Native Hawaiians. In the 1970s, the Hawaiian Renaissance movement emerged, focusing on the revival of Hawaiian language, traditional arts, and cultural practices. This movement helped reassert the importance of Native Hawaiian identity and continues to influence the islands today.

The lei, as a symbol of aloha, has played a role in this cultural revival, serving as a tangible link to the past and a means of expressing a uniquely Hawaiian way of life in the modern world.

The Lei Today: A Continuing Tradition

In modern Hawaii, the lei continues to be a cherished symbol of the aloha spirit—embodying love, respect, and connection. Whether welcoming visitors, celebrating a milestone, or simply showing appreciation, giving and receiving a lei remains a vital part of Hawaiian culture.

The tradition of lei-making and wearing is also preserved through cultural festivals and educational programs. Every year on May 1st, Hawaii celebrates Lei Day, a statewide festival that honors this beautiful and meaningful tradition. During Lei Day, people from all over the islands come together to create, wear, and exchange leis, ensuring that this vital aspect of Hawaiian culture is passed on to future generations.

Embracing the Spirit of Aloha

As we honor Hawaiian History Month, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people, symbolized so beautifully by the lei. It is not just a decorative accessory, but a profound expression of Hawaiian identity, love, and connection to the land. Through the lei, we can all embrace the spirit of aloha and celebrate the enduring legacy of Hawaii’s cultural traditions and the resilience of its people.

Hawaiian History Month provides a unique opportunity to not only honor the beauty of the lei but also to reflect on the broader history of Hawaii and its people—acknowledging the challenges they have faced and the strength they continue to demonstrate in preserving their rich cultural legacy.

Interested in learning more about AANHPI history and connecting with inspiring AANHPI women storytellers? Join Asian Girls Ignite’s programs to deepen your understanding, celebrate our shared stories, and become part of a vibrant community dedicated to empowering the next generation of AANHPI girls and gender-expansive youth or see how you can get involved here!

The Rich History and Cultural Significance of the Hawaiian Lei