The history of lei making

Chapter 1

Ancient origins and sacred roots

Chapter 2

Island signatures and natural emblems

Chapter 3

The art of the weave

Chapter 4

Modern revival and the spirit of Aloha

Ch 1 · Ancient origins and sacred roots

torito

Glossary

hula (noun)
A sacred Hawaiian dance that uses graceful hand movements, steps, and chants to tell stories and honor nature. In ancient times, dancers wore special lei made from forest plants to connect with the gods and bring their stories to life. Think of it as a living history book where every wave of the hand and step of the foot has a secret, beautiful meaning.

Jun 13

torito

torito Voyagers of the vast Pacific

Jun 13

torito

Quiz

Why did traditional Hawaiian bird catchers release the mamo bird after harvesting its bright yellow feathers for royal lei?

Jun 13

torito

Quiz

Around which year did ancient Polynesian voyagers first bring the roots of lei-making traditions to the Hawaiian Islands?

Jun 13

torito

BETA

torito Trace the journey of each lei to discover its place in Hawaiian history.

Jun 13

torito

torito The sacred dance of Laka

Jun 13

torito

torito Lei making was deeply intertwined with hula and spiritual devotion to the forest goddess Laka.

Jun 13

torito

Quiz

Which Hawaiian goddess of hula and the forest is traditionally honored during the gathering of plants for sacred hula leis?

Jun 13

torito

Quiz

In Hawaiian tradition, why are lei given to pregnant women kept open-ended instead of tied in a closed circle?

Jun 13

torito

torito Ancient Hawaiian Lei Making

From the island's green, leaves and shells were strung, a sacred connection, Aloha's story sung.

Jul 13

torito

torito Symbols of power and royalty

Jun 13

torito

torito Ancient Hawaiian chiefs wore elaborate lei made of feathers, teeth, and bone to display high status.

Jun 13

torito

Quiz

According to traditional Hawaiian protocol, what is the proper way to dispose of a natural lei that has withered?

Jun 13

torito

Quiz

What did the symbolic act of intertwining a green maile vine lei signify between opposing Hawaiian chiefs in a temple?

Jun 13

torito

Fun Fact

Feathers of royalty: The ancient Hawaiian lei hulu made of rare mamo bird feathers was reserved exclusively for high-ranking chiefs.

Jun 13

torito

torito The protocol of the gift

Jun 13

torito

Quiz

Which native plant's shiny green leaves are traditionally woven into open-ended lei and used to honor the goddess Laka?

Jun 13

torito

Quiz

What highly prized material was used alongside braided human hair to make the prestigious lei niho palaoa worn by Hawaiian chiefs?

Jun 13

torito

Glossary

lei (noun)
A garland or necklace of flowers, leaves, or other materials, typically worn around the neck. Early Polynesian voyagers introduced this sacred custom to Hawaii, using natural materials to honor their deities.

Jun 13

torito

Gossip

Which ancient lei material would you wear to show your personal style?

Jun 13