May Day is Lei Day on Maui

On May 1st of every year, Hawaii celebrates May Day. This unique tradition celebrates the lei and the many intricacies involved in making them. On May 1, 1928, the poet laureate Don Blanding inspired Honolulu residents to wear leis and have lei making contests and demonstrations.

If you are at all familiar with Hawaiian culture, you know that the lei is one of its most distinctive and appreciated icons. In fact, the moment you see an image of someone wearing a lei, the first thing you will undoubtedly think of is the many tropical beauties of Hawaii.

It has been eighty years since the birth of May Day and this year, the Kapalua Resort will honor the tradition with celebrations from 10a.m. to 2p.m. The theme is "Festival of Flowers". Whether you are a resident of Maui or a visitor on your family vacation or romantic honeymoon, you will have the opportunity to take part in flower lei making and a lei contest with resort gift prizes.

If you do enter the lei making contest, your entry will be judged by public voting on ballots. There will be categories for submissions, including Most Creative, Most Traditional, Most Unusual, and Best of Show.

Aside from the visual beauty that will abound, you will also experience the sweet scents of the flowers in the air, and what would a Maui gathering be without food and music? There will be musical and hula performances, singing and free samples of Roselani ice cream and Maui Gold pineapples. You will find cultural arts displays and collections of memorabilia including aloha shirts, mumus, and artifacts. There is no admissions fee to attend.

Are you still looking for vacation rental accommodations? Check our rentals at the Whaler on Kaanapali Beach, rentals at the Kaanapali Royal, or see what vacation rental specials we have for great deals. Call (800) 676-4112 if you have any questions that are not answered on our website. We hope to see you soon. Mahalo for reading this week!