It is observed on May 1 each year.

How do people celebrate Lei Day?

Wear and give a lei, and reconnect with an old friend in the spirit of the holiday's original 'renewing neglected contacts' idea.

Annual observance

Lei Day

May 1 Cultural / community observance Updated 2026-07-08

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Overview

Lei Day is an annual, official holiday in Hawaii celebrated on May 1st, dedicated to honoring the lei as a symbol of aloha, love, friendship, and celebration. Initiated in 1927, the day encourages everyone to wear a lei and participate in cultural festivities, including lei making contests, hula performances, and music, embodying the spirit of Hawaiian hospitality and tradition.

Why it matters: Lei Day, celebrated on May 1, is significant as it honors the lei, a powerful symbol of aloha and connection in Hawaiian culture. This holiday fosters community spirit through cultural festivities that celebrate love, friendship, and the rich traditions of Hawaii.

Origin and story

The idea for Lei Day was conceived in 1927 by poet Don Blanding, with columnist Grace Tower Warren suggesting "May Day is Lei Day" as its slogan.

Each of Hawaii's main islands has an official flower or plant and an associated color that represents it, often showcased in leis on this day.

Quick facts

DateMay 1
TypeCultural / community observance
Great forFriends, Families, Classrooms, Teams

Also on this date

Ways to celebrate

Hawaii's "Poet Laureate" pitched this holiday in a 1928 newspaper column, and a colleague's catchy slogan — "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii" — is the reason it landed on May 1 instead of some other date.

Wear and give a lei

Celebrate by:

Wearing a lei today, and giving one to someone else.
Reconnecting with an old friend, in the spirit of the holiday's original "renewing neglected contacts" idea.

See how it started

Helpful resources:

The History of Lei Day (Lei Day.org)

Did you know?

The very first Lei Day, held in 1928 at the Bank of Hawaii in Honolulu, featured lei-making contests, and the holiday received official recognition just a year later, in 1929.

Fun facts

The idea for Lei Day was conceived in 1927 by poet Don Blanding, with columnist Grace Tower Warren suggesting "May Day is Lei Day" as its slogan.
Each of Hawaii's main islands has an official flower or plant and an associated color that represents it, often showcased in leis on this day.
It is considered good etiquette to never refuse a lei when offered, and to wear it for as long as possible as a sign of respect and appreciation.

Sources and attribution

The History of Lei Day (Lei Day.org)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is Lei Day?: It is observed on May 1 each year.
What is Lei Day?: Lei Day is an annual, official holiday in Hawaii celebrated on May 1st, dedicated to honoring the lei as a symbol of aloha, love, friendship, and celebration. Initiated in 1927, the day encourages everyone to wear a lei and participate in cultural festivities, including lei making contests, hula performances, and music, embodying the spirit of Hawaiian hospitality and tradition.
How do people celebrate Lei Day?: Wear and give a lei, and reconnect with an old friend in the spirit of the holiday's original 'renewing neglected contacts' idea.

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