Lei Day (121)

May Day is Lei Day in Hawai’i

Garlands of flowers everywhere
All of the colors in the rainbow
Maidens with blossoms in their hair
Flowers that mean we should be happy
Throwing aside a load of care
Oh, May Day is Lei Day in Hawai’i
May Day is happy day out there.

– Red Hawke, 1928

This is one of the very best times to visit our 50th state. In Hawaii, since 1928, May 1st has been celebrated as Lei Day. The idea of a day to celebrate leis was first suggested in a newspaper article written by poet and writer Don Blanding, then the following year, Grace Tower Warren created the saying, ‘May Day is Lei Day,’ and the local government recognized it officially.

Each island has their own festivities and on Oahu, the main activities are centered in Queen Kapi’olani Park in Waikiki. There are many entertainers and, of course, hula, as well as instruction for making leis and competitions for best leis. And, did I forget to mention the food? Typical luau food is on hand with enough variety to satisfy pretty much everyone.

I was fortunate enough to be there many years on May 1st and got to attend the sunset May Day concerts, given by the Brothers Cazimero. They used to be held outside at the ‘bowl’ in Queen Kapi’olani Park. Nothing like the sweet ocean breeze and the scent of thousands of flowers and the warm smiles of the Hawaiian people. The Brothers Caz sang their own great music and also brought in many of the other big name performers of the islands. That was when I got to see IZ, and Hapa, and Keialele Reichel. I was head over hills in love with Hawaiian music and still am. There’s something about the flow of the music and the vocal harmonies that take me back to the aloha of the islands.

Something else pretty spectacular to see on Oahu on May Day is the statue of King Kamahamaha in downtown Honolulu. His outstretched arms are covered with hundreds of leis, sending a very warm message of Aloha Nui Loa to all his people.