Parker Ranch Rodeo Lei Pāpale Competition

Lei Pāpale at Parker Ranch Rodeo: Lei Kui & Lei Wili

This Labor Day weekend, I had the special honor of entering two lei in the annual Lei Pāpale competition at the Parker Ranch Rodeo. This beloved event celebrates Hawaiʻi’s paniolo spirit and the beautiful traditions of lei making, inviting local artists and lei enthusiasts to highlight their craft. There were so many beautiful entries and it was very inspiring to view everyoneʻs creativity and talent.

Lei Kui: A Classic Beauty

For my first entry, I selected the traditional lei kui method—a timeless style created by stringing lei materials using a lei needle and raffia. For the lei kui, I chose to do a triple twist of eucalyptus punches, bougainvillea, hinahina, and nasturtium seed pods. The process was both meditative and joyful, a serene reminder of the simple elegance that a kui lei brings to any occasion. Creating enough eucalyptus punches to sew a lei takes a long time—24 inches for lei pāpale and approximately 40 inches for lei ʻāʻī. However, the end result is worth the time and effort of making thousands of punches.

Lei Wili: Textures Wound Together

My second lei was made in the lei wili style—a technique that involves winding and twisting flowers, foliage, and materials around a base using raffia, lāʻī, or hau. This method is known for its flexibility, durability, and layered visual interest. For my lei wili, I chose koa leaves, pine needles sourced from my family's garden, yellow ti, and malo ʻulu (dried sheath of the ulu flower) sourced from Kalahuipuaʻa, winding them together with raffia to ensure a tight and (hopefully!) well-composed lei.

Reflecting on Tradition & Community

Participating in the Lei Pāpale competition was more than just making lei—it was a celebration of community and cultural tradition. I was inspired by the incredible creativity of other entrants and proud to contribute my own handiwork. Whether it’s kui, wili, or another beloved style, the process of lei making always brings me closer to my ʻohana, our kuleana, and the joyful sharing of lei.

Lei Kui & Lei Wili entries for the Parker Ranch Rodeo Lei Pāpale Competition.

Mahalo nui loa to Parker Ranch and everyone who helped keep this lei tradition alive. Here’s to many more lei and memories in the years to come!