Quick Tips
- Unpack the lei(s) immediately.
- Keep cool in refrigerators, between 50 ° F – 55 ° F, do NOT store in freezer.
- If a refrigerator is unavailable, mist the lei(s) with cool water and lightly wrap in a damp paper towel.
- Fragrant leis should be used immediately.
How long do Hawaiian leis last?
During busy times of the year or for particularly large orders we often bring our lei in on Fridays and Saturdays as well. How long do they last? All flowers differ, but generally they will last three to four days in the refrigerator.
How can I make my lei last longer?
Upon receiving your orchid leis, spritz them with water, wrap them back up in the paper they came in, or your own paper towels, spritz the paper with water, then place in a large plastic bag or container. Place the bag or container in the refrigerator at approximately 54°F (12°C).
What do you do with an old lei?
Never throw away your lei in the trash – that is like throwing the gift-giver’s affection away. Instead, discard your lei by throwing it in the ocean, burning it, or hanging it in a tree. The idea is to return the lei to the area from which it came, which is a sign of respect.
Is it offensive to wear a lei?
Any lei is appropriate to use because all leis symbolize love, respect and appreciation.
What is the symbolism of a lei?
Lei are constructed of flowers, leaves, sea shells, seeds, nuts, feathers or even bones of various animals. A lei is a common symbol of love, friendship, celebration, honor or greeting. In essence, it is a symbol of Aloha. In ancient Hawaii, wearing a lei represented wealth, royalty and rank.
Can you bring a lei home from Hawaii?
Know the Lei of the Land
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits certain items, including some flowers used in Hawaiian leis, from entering the U.S. mainland to protect against harmful plant pests.
What do you say when you give someone a lei?
Lei Etiquette
- Always accept aloha: Because lei are considered a symbol of affection and aloha, you should never refuse lei.
- How to wear lei: The proper way to wear lei is gently draped over the shoulders, hanging from both the front and back.
How do you preserve tropical flowers?
Completely immerse the flower and stem in fresh water at room temperature for 10 minutes. Do not refrigerate. Upon receipt of foliage, trim off one-inch from bottom of each stem and immerse foliage in fresh water at room temperature for 10 minutes. Keep stems in two inches of water in container.
What to do with leis when leaving Hawaii?
A lei should never be thrown away in the trash as it is considered disrespectful. It is customary to return the lei to the earth. You can either remove the flowers from the string* and scatter them in the ocean, bury them or burn them. Or simply hang the lei on a door or window to dry it out.
What does a black lei mean?
You can get the lei from gift shops and most street-side vendors in Hawaii. This was not the case in ancient times, however, because only royalty were allowed to wear these lei made of sleek black nuts. It was a way to show the alii’s social status, as well as honor Lono, god of agriculture, peace and fertility.
Does everyone get a lei when arriving in Hawaii?
Does Everyone Get a Lei When Arriving in Hawaii? Lei greetings are not free, and they don’t happen automatically when you disembark from your flight – you need to plan ahead.
What does throwing a lei on the water mean?
Throwing a Lei
Another way to honor the deceased is to throw the lei into the ocean* in remembrance of the person who has passed. Sometimes, the flowers are taken from the lei and the loose flowers are scattered across the water to honor the departed person. *String is not bio-degradable.
What does a white lei mean?
It can be given to a man or a woman, and is often intended to show respect or appreciation. The lei can be saved indefinitely. White, Pink, or Red Carnation Leis. Leis that have white, pink, or red carnations are a symbol of love.
What does a kukui nut lei mean?
enlightenment, protection
The Kukui Nut tree was a symbol of enlightenment, protection, guidance and peace, and its spiritual powers are still believed to flow through Hawaiian culture and its ceremonies. In 1959, the Kukui tree itself was made the official tree emblem for the state of Hawai’i. Kukui Nut trees are fairly easy to spot.
Which side do you wear Hawaiian flower?
In the Hawaiian culture, if you are to wear a flower behind your left ear, you are married and/or unavailable. Wearing a flower on the right side signifies the opposite, that the person in question is single and possibly looking for love.
How many flowers are in a lei?
50 flowers
A general rule is that each inch of lei requires about 1.25 flowers. So, if you want your lei to be 40” long, you will need at least 50 flowers. Onto that length, add 2” or more to your thread to allow you to tie the ends of the lei together.
Do different leis have different meanings?
There are no official meanings of the different colors of Hawaiian leis, but there are some types of leis that are commonly given for certain occasions. Meanings of the leis are often based on the material as opposed to color. Purple, green, and white leis are often made from orchids.
What can you not bring back from Hawaii?
Common Items from Hawaii NOT ALLOWED into the U.S. Mainland or Alaska
- Fresh fruits and vegetables, some exceptions are those listed below as permitted.
- Berries of any kind, including fresh coffee berries and sea grapes.
- Cactus plants or cactus plant parts.
- Cotton and cotton bolls.
- Fresh flowers of jade vine, and Mauna Loa.
Can you buy a lei at the Honolulu airport?
Lei Greeting is done in the baggage claim area. Lei are also available from Florist shops and carts in the Terminals. In Terminal 1, a kiosk is located across Gate A18.
Is it OK to take sand from Hawaii?
And that’s a very risky endeavor, as taking sand from any beach in Hawaii is punishable by fines upwards of $100,000. This includes Papakolea Beach, also known as Green Sands Beach, and Punalu’u Beach, which is famous for its black volcanic sands. This issue stretches far beyond the beaches of Italy and Hawaii.