Crafting the Perfect Graduation Lei for Your Celebration
- Lei Lupea
- Jun 25
- 5 min read
Better late than never! Although many have already graduated, people complete their graduation at various times throughout the year. Graduation is a significant milestone, a moment of celebration for students and their families. A beautiful custom graduation lei adds a personal touch to the festivities, showcasing the accomplishments of the graduate. With vibrant colors and unique styles, a lei embodies love, pride, and joy. In this post, we'll explore how to craft the perfect graduation lei for your celebration.
Custom Graduation Lei
Creating a custom graduation lei can be an enjoyable experience. Whether you're a parent, sibling, or a close friend, making a personalized lei shows your support and appreciation for the graduate. There are numerous styles and materials available, each offering its own charm. Here are some popular options:
Flower Lei: These are the most traditional and popular type, often made from fresh flowers like orchid, plumeria, carnation or even rose. The sweet fragrance and bright colors make flower lei particularly special. Consider using flowers that hold significance to the graduate or their cultural background.
Candy Lei: A fun twist on the classic flower lei, candy lei are made from various candies strung together with ribbon or thread. This option appeals to younger graduates and adds a playful element to the celebration. You can use favorites like gummy bears, chocolate bars, lollipops, or local favorites like bags of crack seed or li hing mui flavored candies. Personalize it by including the graduate’s favorite sweets.
Money Lei: A money lei is a creative and meaningful Hawaiian-inspired gift made by folding and stringing together paper bills—often in the shape of flowers, leaves, or other decorative patterns. Traditionally given for graduations, birthdays, or special celebrations, money lei symbolize good luck, prosperity, and heartfelt congratulations, blending the spirit of aloha with a practical gift.
Remember, when choosing materials, consider the durability and how well they hold up during the celebration. If possible, select materials that can withstand being worn throughout the day or evening.
Selecting the Right Materials
The materials you choose will greatly influence the final look and feel of your lei. When selecting materials, consider the following factors:
Durability: Fresh flowers look stunning, but they can wilt quickly. Select flowers / greenery that are sturdy and will be able to survive several hours in the sun. Carnation and rose are always great options for durability.
Color Palette: Choose colors that represent the graduate's school or personal preferences. You can use a single color scheme for a cohesive look or mix colors for a more eclectic style.
Cultural Significance: Some cultures have specific traditions associated with graduation lei. Always research (or seek advice) to decide what is suitable / appropriate, and if uncertain, create a simple flower lei that expresses your happiness and affection for the graduate.
Do Costco / Local Hawaii Based Grocery Stores Carry Graduation Lei?
If you're looking for convenience, you might be wondering: Do Costco / Local Hawaii Based Grocery Stores carry graduation lei? Yes, they both carry lei, but the selection may be limited; they generally carry orchid, tuberose, cigar, and sometimes maile. Prices range from $25-$100+ (depending on store and location).
Keep in mind they may not have the variety or custom options that a handmade lei provides. If you want something truly unique, consider making your own or sourcing from local florists or specialty shops. This not only allows for personalization but can also support local businesses in your area.
Steps to Create Your Custom Graduation Lei
Creating a custom graduation lei at home is a straightforward process, and it can be a fun group activity. Here’s a simple guide to crafting your own:
Step 1: Gather Materials
Collect your chosen materials based on the style you're making. For example, if you're making a flower lei using the kui pololei (single strand, straight pattern) method of sewing, you will need appropriate flowers, raffia or biodegradable string (I avoid any non biodegradable materials), a 12 inch lei needle, and a pair of scissors.
Step 2: Measure and Cut
First, determine how long you want your lei to be. A length of 40 inches is usually sufficient for an adult sized lei (size down for keiki). Cut your raffia or string to this length, allowing several inches on both ends (you want to make sure to have enough length to tie the lei together). Tie a knot (leaving several inches below it) on one end. This will prevent the flowers from slipping off. Alternatively, you can also use a clothesline pin to secure the end of the lei.
Step 3: Prepare the Flowers
If you're using flowers, cut the stems to about 2-3 inches long (or even shorter if you want a very tight look). This length will allow you to easily thread them onto the raffia or string. Some flowers can be gently washed and dried before using (some cannot and will get saturated and fall apart). Depending on what type of flower you are using and what type of lei, plan to use at least 40 flowers (some lei can use hundreds, if not thousands). For example, a bombucha style of carnation lei (kui poepoe) can use up to 250 flowers!
Step 4: Start Sewing
Thread the raffia or string through the lei needle eye (leaving a couple inches at the top) and begin piercing the flower through their base and push down the needle. Repeat several times until you have a stack of 4-5. Make sure they're pushed tightly together (but not crushing them) and slide the group down to the knotted end of your raffia or string. Continue until you reach the desired length of lei.
Step 5: Secure the Ends
Once you have reached your desired length, tie both ends of the raffia or string. Ensure it's tight enough to support the weight of the lei. Many lei makers add embellishments of raffia or ti bows.
Step 6: Present with Love
Once complete, present the lei to the graduate!
Celebrate with Tradition
Wearing a graduation lei is a beautiful tradition, especially in places like Hawaii where it symbolizes love and respect.
When the ceremony is over and it’s time to celebrate, the custom lei can be a perfect way to stand out. Graduates will appreciate wearing something unique that tells their story, adding to the joy of this important day.
As you prepare for the big celebration, don’t forget that the effort and thought behind the custom graduation lei embody love and pride. Let your creativity flow and enjoy the process of celebrating the achievements of your graduate.
With a little planning and effort, you'll create a stunning piece that will leave lasting memories, making your celebration all the more special. For more ideas on crafting the perfect graduation lei, explore options and styles at Leilupea. Consider spending time together as you craft, share stories, and build excitement for the upcoming celebration. This shared experience will be remembered long after the lei completes its lifespan (remember to always return the lei to the land / compost & never throw a lei away in the trash).
Lei Making Resources:
All of these books and items are ones I personally own and use. The Hawaiian Lei Making book is particularly useful because it details the methods and the exact quantities of flowers or greenery required for each type of lei (and it has helpful step by step instructions). These are affiliate links, and I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase through them.
You can access all books for free at your local Hawaii library system. If a specific book isn't available, you can request it to be delivered to your library.
For other items, such as the lei needle and raffia (preferably waterfall style), visit local Hawaii ACE stores.
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