Lei Terms & Definitions
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Lei ʻāʻī
Lei āʻī is the Hawaiian term for a neck lei, which is a traditional garland worn around the neck. This type of lei is the most common and recognizable form of Hawaiian lei. Lei āʻī are typically crafted from flowers, leaves, shells, seeds, or other natural materials, strung or woven together to create a circular adornment.
These neck lei serve as a symbol of aloha (love), celebration, honor, and greeting in Hawaiian culture. They play a significant role in various occasions, from welcoming visitors to the islands to marking special events like graduations, weddings, and birthdays.The proper way to wear lei āʻī is to drape it gently over the shoulders so that it hangs equally in the front and back.
Methods
Kui: Greenery / flowers are strung through the middle with a lei needle and thread, raffia, or other stiff material.
Kui Pololei: Straight, single pattern
Kui Poepoe: Circular, double pattern
Kui Lau: Back and forth pattern
Haku, wili, Hīpuʻu are also methods used for lei āʻī
Lei poʻo
Lei po'o is a traditional Hawaiian head adornment. This beautiful floral creation is worn on the head, typically for special occasions, celebrations, and cultural events.
Methods
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Wili: Term for twisting, winding, or wrapping. The lei is made by wrapping lengths of raffia around greenery / flowers and a backing or braid.
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Haku: Greenery / flowers are arranged by using a braiding method
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Kui: Greenery / flowers are strung through the middle with lei needle and thread, raffia, or other stiff material.
The materials used in lei po'o can include a wide variety of flowers, leaves, and sometimes even feathers or shells.
*please note, we do not use wire or synthetic materials