History Of The Lei

The beautiful Hawaiian lei is presented upon arriving or leaving as a symbol of affection. This tradition was popularized as tourism between the Hawaiian Islands and the continental United States grew in the 19th and 20th centuries. The flowers most commonly used are the plumeria, lehua blossom and orchid. Traditionally, a lei is presented by bowing slightly and raising it above the heart and may also be accompanied by a kiss. Since the lei is considered a gift, it should never be thrown away casually. As it is a symbol of love, and to throw one away represents throwing away the love of the giver.