THE HISTORY OF LEI DAY
In the 1927, a local poet and writer, wrote an article in the local newspaper, Honolulu Star Bulletin, suggesting that Hawaii designate a special day to celebrate the tradition of giving and receiving flower lei. With fellow columnist, Grace Tower Warren, the decision was made to celebrate the day on May 1st and the coined term, “May Day is Lei Day” was born. This phrase became the inspiration for Ruth and Leonard Hawk to write the beautiful song, "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii" which is still played at every Lei Day celebration in Hawaii. In 1928, the first May Day celebrations were held with lei exhibits, hula performances and other festivities.
THE LEI DAY TRADITION CONTINUES
Every year, on May 1
st, the tradition and celebration of Lei Day continues. There are May Day pageants and performances at local schools, and at Queen Kapiolani Park in Waikiki, lei exhibits and workshops, lei-making contests, concerts and hula performances and an official Lei Day Queen is crowned. May Day celebrations are one of the most beautiful and eye-pleasing festivals and definitely one of the most fragrant of events in our islands.
