The History of Lei in Hawaiʻi

The lei tradition was first introduced to Hawaiʻi through Polynesian voyagers. In ancient Hawaiʻi, the greenery woven to create a lei was said to absorb the creator's mana (spirit), making this a personalized and intentional gift. Lei was worn as a symbol of higher status and for beautification purposes. A particularly valued lei was the maile lei. Chiefs would intertwine maile lei together and hang them at a heiau (temple) to signify the end of war and that peace had been made between two tribes.

In the 1800s, visitors began traveling to Hawaiʻi and were often welcomed with a lei. Some believed lei brought good luck, and a popular legend said that if you tossed your lei overboard when leaving and it floated back to shore, you were destined to return. Today, lei remains a cherished symbol of love, respect, and connection, uniting visitors and locals alike. Deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi's history, lei continues to share the Aloha Spirit while honoring the cultural traditions and resilience of Hawaiian customs.

Types of Lei

Lei Kui (Standard, Closed Lei)

A lei kui is strung on a thread and meant to go around the neck. It is the most commonly worn lei style for any occasion.

Plumeria Lei

Known as the "lei of aloha." Its five petals symbolize love, faith, charity, hope, and devotion. Maui Divers Jewelry captures this meaning in the Plumeria Collection, creating the flower's soft, layered petals with different types of 14k gold, mother of pearl, and diamonds. Shop the Plumeria Collection here.

Pīkake Lei

Made from small, delicate, white, and fragrant flowers. This romantic lei is a favorite for brides as the perfect finishing touch. 

Hilo Lei (Typically an Open-Ended Lei)

A hilo lei uses a twisting technique to create a rope-like lei that drapes around the neck.

Maile Lei

Symbolizes unity. Worn at weddings, graduations, and hula performances. Maui Divers Jewelry honors this tradition with its Maile Design, featuring interlocking 14k solid gold leaves that flow with graceful movement, falling around you like a real maile lei. Shop Maile Designs Here. 

Ti Leaf Lei

Durable and earthy. Symbolizes divine power and good luck. 

Lei Poʻo (Floral Crown)

A lei poʻo is made by binding flowers and greenery together to be worn around the head during celebrations or hula.

ʻIwaʻiwa Fern

Woven into lei poʻo to represent purity, strength, and integrity. Maui Divers Jewelry translates the fern's delicate form into its Maiden Hair Fern Ring, replicating the frond's fine detail in 14k yellow gold. Shop ʻIwaʻiwa Collection Here. 

Kupukupu Fern

Woven into lei poʻo to symbolize growth, learning, and commitment. Maui Divers Jewelry pairs the fern in 14k solid gold with a Tahitian black pearl in its Kupukupu Fern Ring, uniting the symbolism of growth with the rarity of the pearl. Shop Kupukupu Fern Collection. 

Lei Kūpeʻe

A lei kūpeʻe is worn around the ankle or wrist to accentuate movement and is worn specifically for hula.

Kūpeʻe Pūpū

Made from shells that clink together, adding a musical element to dance.

Palapalai Fern

Known for its lacy fronds. It embodies the hula goddess Laka and is commonly used for hula dancers.

Your Guide to Lei Wearing and Giving

Do

• Give a lei to a loved one as a symbol of affection.
• Give a lei to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or wedding.
• Expect lei to be piled high at Hawaiʻi graduations — sometimes so high you can barely see the grad!
• Accept a lei with gratitude, and allow the giver to place it on you.

Don't

• Take a lei off in front of the person who gave it to you.
• Give a pregnant woman a closed lei. Tradition holds that a closed lei can bring bad luck, symbolizing the umbilical cord wrapping around the child's neck. Give her an open lei instead.

Carry the Spirit of Lei with Maui Divers Jewelry

Just like giving and wearing lei are acts of love, gifting the everlasting beauty of Maui Divers Jewelry is the perfect way to celebrate those you love — including yourself.

Like a lei gently surrounding you with love, Maui Divers necklaces, rings, and bracelets wrap you in designs inspired by the Aloha Spirit. Each piece reflects Hawaiʻi's natural beauty and cultural heritage through timeless craftsmanship.