In Hawaii, the garlands given on Lei Day are called lei. A lei is a garland or wreath, usually made from flowers, leaves, shells, or other natural materials, and it is given as a gesture of affection, honor, welcome, friendship, or celebration.
Lei Day takes place throughout Hawaii on May 1. The holiday was established in 1929 as a celebration of Hawaiian culture and the aloha spirit. People give leis to one another, while schools and communities may stage performances, select a Lei Day court, and honor the distinctive traditions of the islands.
Each major island is associated with its own Lei Day color and flower symbol. For example, Hawaiʻi is represented by red, Maui by pink, Oʻahu by yellow, and Kauaʻi by purple. These island associations help turn the celebration into a colorful expression of local identity.
Kukui, pua, and hula are not synonyms for the garlands themselves. Kukui is a type of candlenut tree, pua means flower in Hawaiian usage, and hula is the Hawaiian dance tradition. The garland is the lei.