In Hawaii, leis made of beautiful tropical flowers are given as a gift on many occasions; visitors often receive one of these wreaths upon their arrival in Hawaii. The lei is most often made of Plumeria blooms, which are pink or white and very delicate.

Photo by Phillie-Casablanca of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/philliecasablanca/

Another flower often used for lei wreaths is the lehua blossom. Known for bright flowers and soft, needle-like pedals, this species is the official flower of the Big Island. This flowering tree is considered by native Hawaiians to be sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess, and to the goddess of hula, Laka.

A well-known flower that has made its way into countless tattoos and other representations of Hawaiian culture, and is thought to best represent ‘aloha’ and all things Hawaii, is the yellow hibiscus. Known to native Hawaiians as the pua aloalo, this has been considered Hawaii’s official flower since the 1920s.

Hibiscus flowers are very large, and are often found both in leis and decorating the side of a fruity tropical drink. This plant also has many other traditional uses, ranging from teas and jams to herbal remedies for dandruff, nausea, and wound dressing. When placed behind the ear of a woman, this flower indicates whether she is available for a relationship. Giving a hibiscus as a gift means “seize the day,” since the blooms only last a day or so.

The hibiscus is also found in white, purple, pink, and red, and is very fragrant. There are over 200 distinct varieties of this flowering plant. Though only seven are native Hawaii, you are likely to see dozens of other varieties on Hawaii; these have been imported from other tropical climates around the world.

Photo by suchitra of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/chitrasudar/

Each island also has its own official flower. On some islands, their official bloom is quite plentiful, and you are likely to see it while on vacation. In others, the flower variety is quite rare or even endangered, and you would be lucky to see it without a visit to a botanical garden.

Although many people associate orchids with Hawaii, there are actually only three orchid species that are native to the islands. The rest have been imported. Other exotic flowers that can be seen around the islands include the heliconia, or bird of paradise, with a unique wax-like appearance. This is often cited as the most exotic-looking plant on the islands.

Besides flowers, there are also many other unique plants seen in Hawaii. For example, fruit trees, including avocado, banana, mango, papaya, breadfruit, and macadamia, grow abundantly throughout the islands. Lychees, which are shaped like grapes with a hard coating, are a prized fruit; these trees grow wild throughout Hawaii. The Koa Tree, found at higher elevations, is found only in Hawaii. This hard wood is used for canoes, bowls, and furniture. If you look around the islands, you’ll surely be dazzled by the array of flowers, plants, and trees that you see.

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Though many modern luaus stray from traditional luau cuisine, with menus incorporating such varied foods as macaroni salad and sushi, many large luau events still adhere to more traditional culinary choices. Many of these traditional luau foods have been eaten in Hawaii for centuries. When visiting Hawaii, be sure to attend a luau party for an exotic feast and entertaining surprises. On the mainland, throw a Luau-themed party for the perfect summer celebration.

Your own luau feast should start with Kalua Pork, a well-known mainstay of luau menus. At large luau events, an entire pig is often roasted all day in a specially-constructed pit oven. For a smaller luau party, cook a pork roast slowly in liquid smoke and Hawaiian rock salt. Once it is fully cooked, shred it. Though many people think of a whole roast pig when they think of a luau, it is entirely possible to approximate this delicious dish on a smaller scale.

Another popular and authentic meat choice for a luau party is chicken marinated in teriyaki sauce, which gives it a delicious combination of savory and sweet flavoring. Serve this dish with pineapple rings on the side. Seafood fans will enjoy Lomi Salmon, another excellent choice for your luau party. This contemporary dish that is often seen at today’s luaus is a combination of shredded salmon filet, diced tomatoes, and crushed ice. Serve your meat choice with long rice cooked in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, or teriyaki sauce. Another delicious tropical side dish is a fruit platter featuring coconut and pineapple.

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Nearly every traditional luau includes poi as a unique side dish, as it was a staple of Hawaiian diet for many centuries. A nutritious dish made from the root of the taro plant, it can be purchased fresh in some locations. To make poi yourself, peel, steam, and mash the taro root. Add water to the mashed root until it forms a pudding-like consistency, and serve cold. Another traditional luau food to incorporate taro is actually known as ‘luau.’ This dish is chicken wrapped in taro leaves and baked in coconut milk.

Luau cuisine is often very creative; this creativity should continue in the way the buffet is displayed. For example, serve the tropical fruit in a bowl constructed from a hollowed out watermelon, or thread the fruit onto bamboo skewers. Many of the larger professional luaus use each dish to create a uniquely shaped display across the buffet table.

Don’t forget to create a fitting dessert for your luau. Many Hawaiian desserts incorporate coconut milk. Haupia, a traditional coconut-based Hawaiian dessert, is made by combining three cups of coconut milk and half a cup of sugar in a saucepan. Once this mixture is warm, stir in half a cup of cornstarch, which thickens the dessert. Pour into a baking dish and sprinkle with shredded coconut. Chill this dessert, and serve once it has become firm.

When planning a luau, remember that the food is the most important attribute. A modern luau party, which should be planned as a feast for the senses, often combines both traditional Hawaiian dishes and unique luau-style cuisine that is actually a fusion of several styles. When creating your own luau feast, remember to incorporate lots of teriyaki sauce and tropical fruits. Luau party food inspiration should be drawn from the island environment of Hawaii; a wide variety of tropically-inspired foods completes the luau atmosphere.

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The island of Maui is always among the top vacation destinations in the world, and is one of the most popular islands in Hawaii. This island offers numerous tourist activities for couples and families, and stunning views from nearly any vantage point on the island. Maui is known for over 120 miles of sparkling beaches and several unique inland habitats created by the two volcanoes on the island. This popular vacation destination has something for everyone, whether your trip is a family vacation or a romantic getaway.

When visiting Maui, don’t miss out on the chance to visit a luau. Many of the larger hotels offer a professional luau every week to give tourists a taste of this traditional Hawaiian feast. Luaus offer traditional Hawaiian cuisine and exotic tropical dishes that are actually a fusion of Polynesian, Asian, and Hawaiian cultures. This delicious buffet includes Palua Pork, often cooked in the customary manner of an underground oven, where the pig is roasted all day long. The breathtaking entertainment at a luau often includes hula dancing and Samoan fire dancers.

Of course, when visiting Maui you must leave time for enjoying the beach. The island is known for beautiful white sands and gleaming blue waters. Try your hand at scuba diving or snorkeling to catch a peek of marine life, which includes bright tropical fish, coral, and manta rays. A submarine tour is an interesting way to see these creatures without getting wet. To enjoy the waves, rent a surfboard or jet ski or go swimming in the warm waters off Maui’s beaches. There are also several specialty cruises and tours designed to offer unique views of the island and the surrounding waters. If your visit is scheduled between December and April, take advantage of the opportunity to embark on a whale watching cruise.

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Although you may not think of forests when you think of Hawaii, there are plenty of inland environments for you to explore. Home to two volcanoes, Maui has a unique rainforest ecosystem. This mountainous region can be explored by helicopter or by Jeep. The eastern coast of Maui is easy to explore thanks to the Hana Highway, which offers countless lookout points and opportunities to see breathtaking views. Maui’s many trails offer ample opportunities for biking and hiking, where you may spot some of the unique plants and animals that call the island home. Each of Maui’s unusual environments is filled with a vast array of exotic species. One of the most popular destinations on the island is Oheo Gulch, also know as Seven Sacred Pools. Swimming through this series of waterfalls and pools, which empties into the Pacific Ocean, is said to bring good luck.

Although the best views are said to be along the coast, there are thousands of amazing views available in the inland areas, too. The view from Haleakala crater, formed by one of Maui’s volcanoes, is said to be the best sunrise. This volcano last erupted over two hundred years ago; you can still see this eruption’s lava flows. This is actually one of the highest mountains in the world, though much of its height is hidden underwater. For the best sunset views, head to Lahaina. This wharf is known for its restaurants and shops in addition to whale watching and sunset cruises.

Photo by Alaskan Dude of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/72213316@N00/

A lei, one of the most well-known symbols of Hawaii, is a beautiful hand-woven wreath or necklace. It is most often made of tropical flowers, although shells or other materials may also be used. The most popular flowers for leis are orchids and plumeria; both are large and fragrant blossoms.

The giving of leis, and ancient Hawaiian custom, was observed by Captain Cook in 1779. The tradition is believed to date several centuries earlier than even this sighting. The original purpose of the lei was to distinguish between the varying social ranks. The wearer’s rank was reflected in the type of flower and construction method used in the lei. Today, leis are still worn by Hawaii’s most important figures, especially on holidays or for important public appearances.

Leis are also customarily worn or given on important occasions, ranging from births and deaths to victories, graduations, and religious ceremonies. Though not part of the ancient Hawaiian culture, today the giving of the lei is ordinarily accompanied by a kiss on the cheek, especially if the giver knows the recipient well. Depending on the symbolism of the occasion, different colors or varieties of flowers might be incorporated into the floral wreath. In ancient times, a lei ritual completed as part of a religious ceremony would be used to ask the gods for fertile crops or safety when traveling or fishing.

Leis are an appropriate Hawaiian gift not only for important occasions, but also as a symbol of appreciation, respect, love, or welcoming. Although lei giving was traditionally reserved for special occasions, today a lei has many different meanings, and can be seen at nearly every public gathering on the islands. In fact, many visitors receive a lei upon their arrival to the islands. The lei is given as a symbol of the “spirit of aloha,” which means a greeting, farewell, joy, hope, love, or other positive feelings. Leis made of beautiful flowers are meant as a non-verbal expression of aloha spirit.

In Hawaii, leis are almost always seen at weddings. There are several different ways to incorporate leis into the ceremony. The couple may have the wedding officiant bless or hold the flowers, which are then exchanged as a symbol of their love and commitment to each other. The leis may also be given by the couple to family members, a move that symbolizes the joining together of the families. The wedding party may wear leis instead of corsages and boutonnieres, or they may be given to guests as wedding favors, symbolizing the couple’s appreciation for guests’ support.

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Today, leis are given on dozens of different occasions and symbolize many different feelings. Though there are almost no restrictions on lei giving, you do have a few responsibilities if you are the recipient of a lei. All leis are hand-woven, representing a gift of love. This gift should be treasured, especially if it is made from a particularly rare flower, which is considered a high honor. The lei should never be refused, and it should be worn around the neck, wrapped around your head, or on a hat brim. Do not wear it around your neck if you are pregnant; superstitious beliefs say that this symbolizes the umbilical cord tangling. Once the flowers have wilted, return it to nature, either to the place where the flowers were gathered, or letting it get carried away by a body of water. Never throw a flower lei in the trash.

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The traditional Hawaiian feast now known as the luau dates back hundreds of years. Before the reign the Hawaiian King Kamehameha II, men and women in Hawaii were not allowed to eat together. After abolishing this law in 1819, he held a symbolic feast with women invited. At this feast, King Kamehameha served a traditional dish involving chicken wrapped in Taro leaves and baked in coconut milk. This dish, known as ‘Luau,’ gave this feast its name.

Rather than simply a party, luaus were held in recognition of important events, from notable visitors to a coming of age celebration. During the first luau dinners, diners sat on the ground and ate food placed on leaves and woven mats. Traditional foods for these early luaus included roast pig and mashed taro root (a staple of the Hawaiian diet), both of which are still served at many luaus today. In these days, women in Hawaii were forbidden from eating certain foods, considered delicacies. King Kamehameha II was sure to incorporate these into his symbolic feast. All of these foods were eaten with the fingers; no utensils were used.

While it was certainly a festive occasion, these luaus were only held for certain events, not solely for entertainment value. These luaus were a very specific type of celebration; they were not just any Hawaiian party. Luaus, both then and now, have always been large feasts. In fact, King Kamehameha II often invited hundreds of guests; sometimes, guests ate in several shifts because there was not enough room for everyone.

Today, luau parties are held all over the islands, both for tourists and for celebratory reasons. Guests at luaus receive a lei, a necklace of woven flowers, as a symbol of welcoming. Though many visitors to Hawaii visit large commercial luaus, they are still held throughout the island for more symbolic occasions.

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Commercial luau parties held just for tourists are held weekly at the most popular hotels in Hawaii. These professional luaus are not only feasts, but also entertaining displays. Often visitors at a luau will see thrilling fire dances, which are actually Samoan rather than Hawaiian in origin, in addition to traditional Hawaiian hula dancers. If you are visiting Hawaii on vacation, be sure to visit a luau, not only for its delicious food but also for the entertainment. Often, crafts and souvenirs are sold in addition to more traditional foods and entertainment. Many tourist-centered luaus offer the opportunity for guests to learn a simple hula dance from traditional dancers.

Today’s luau parties are actually a fusion of cultures, including Asian, Polynesian, and Hawaiian influences in addition to mainland dishes served with tropical flair. Today, teriyaki sauce is a staple flavor in luau foods, giving each dish a sweet yet savory flavor. You may even see teriyaki sauce marinated Spam, a canned meat that is quite popular in Hawaii, in addition to more traditional Hawaiian dishes like poi and Kalua Pork. Luau parties were quite popular during the 1960s, so some luaus incorporate cocktail foods from this era, even macaroni salad, or cocktail weenies in teriyaki sauce. Today’s luau parties may simply be Hawaiian themed, and range drastically in their adherence to traditional luau foods and customs.

Photo by Tropic~7 of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/sheepbackcabin/

In Hawaii, leis made of beautiful tropical flowers are given as a gift on many occasions; visitors often receive one of these wreaths upon their arrival in Hawaii. The lei is most often made of Plumeria blooms, which are pink or white and very delicate.

Another flower often used for lei wreaths is the lehua blossom. Known for bright flowers and soft, needle-like pedals, this species is the official flower of the Big Island. This flowering tree is considered by native Hawaiians to be sacred to Pele, the volcano goddess, and to the goddess of hula, Laka.

A well-known flower that has made its way into countless tattoos and other representations of Hawaiian culture, and is thought to best represent ‘aloha’ and all things Hawaii, is the yellow hibiscus. Known to native Hawaiians as the pua aloalo, this has been considered Hawaii’s official flower since the 1920s.

Photo by suchitra of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/chitrasudar/

Hibiscus flowers are very large, and are often found both in leis and decorating the side of a fruity tropical drink. This plant also has many other traditional uses, ranging from teas and jams to herbal remedies for dandruff, nausea, and wound dressing. When placed behind the ear of a woman, this flower indicates whether she is available for a relationship. Giving a hibiscus as a gift means “seize the day,” since the blooms only last a day or so.

Photo by ashleytheartist2002 of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashleytheartist2002/

The hibiscus is also found in white, purple, pink, and red, and is very fragrant. There are over 200 distinct varieties of this flowering plant. Though only seven are native Hawaii, you are likely to see dozens of other varieties on Hawaii; these have been imported from other tropical climates around the world.

Each island also has its own official flower. On some islands, their official bloom is quite plentiful, and you are likely to see it while on vacation. In others, the flower variety is quite rare or even endangered, and you would be lucky to see it without a visit to a botanical garden.

Although many people associate orchids with Hawaii, there are actually only three orchid species that are native to the islands. The rest have been imported. Other exotic flowers that can be seen around the islands include the heliconia, or bird of paradise, with a unique wax-like appearance. This is often cited as the most exotic-looking plant on the islands.

Photo by Tiger Girl of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/tigergirl/

Besides flowers, there are also many other unique plants seen in Hawaii. For example, fruit trees, including avocado, banana, mango, papaya, breadfruit, and macadamia, grow abundantly throughout the islands. Lychees, which are shaped like grapes with a hard coating, are a prized fruit; these trees grow wild throughout Hawaii. The Koa Tree, found at higher elevations, is found only in Hawaii. This hard wood is used for canoes, bowls, and furniture. If you look around the islands, you’ll surely be dazzled by the array of flowers, plants, and trees that you see.

Photo by Alaskan Dude of Flickr

Although many luaus today include such varied foods as sushi and macaroni salad, more traditional foods, including those that have been eaten in Hawaii, are still served at most luau events, both in Hawaii and on the mainland. If you’re visiting Hawaii, attend a large luau party for an exotic feast. On the mainland, throw your own Hawaiian-themed luau party as the perfect summer event. 

For the ultimate Luau feast, start with Kalua Pork. At the largest luau events, an entire pig may be roasted in a specially made pit oven all day long. For smaller luaus, combine a pork roast with water, liquid smoke, and Hawaiian rock salt. Cook in a crock pot or in the oven, and then shred it once it’s fully cooked. Most people think of a whole roast pig when they think of luaus, but you can closely approximate this delicious dish with a pork roast. 

Another popular meat for luaus is chicken with teriyaki sauce. The sauce gives the chicken the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. Serve your chicken with pineapple rings on the side. If you love seafood, Lomi Salmon would be a delicious choice for your luau party. This contemporary dish combines diced tomatoes, crushed ice, and shredded Salmon filet. 

Poi is a unique side dish that is found at nearly every traditional luau. This nutritious dish is made from the root of the taro plant. In some locations, you may be able to purchase fresh poi. To make it yourself, peel, steam, and mash the taro root. Then add water until the consistency is similar to pudding. Chill before serving. Another traditional luau food, which is actually known as “luau,” is chicken wrapped in the leaves of the taro plant, and then baked in coconut milk. Don’t forget about a fruit platter featuring coconut and pineapple, the perfect tropical side dish. Serve the meat with long rice cooked in garlic, soy sauce, ginger, or teriyaki sauce. 

Photo by norwichnuts of Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/veganfeast/

Luau food is often very creative, and this creativity often continues with the way the food is served. Often, the fruit is found in the shape of kabobs, or in a bowl made of a hollowed out watermelon. Many luaus incorporate the use of bamboo skewers or toothpick umbrellas, or use the various foods to create a uniquely shaped display on the buffet table. 

For dessert, nothing would be more fitting than coconut milk. To make Haupia, a traditional dessert, you’ll need three cups of coconut milk and a half cup each of cornstarch and sugar. Mix all of the ingredients except cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat. Once warm, stir in cornstarch, which will thicken the mixture. Do not let it boil. Once thickened, pour the coconut mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded coconut, and chill until it becomes firm. If you don’t want to make your own dessert, coconut pie or lemon bread would also make great luau desserts. 

One of the most important aspects of a luau is the food. The modern luau party, a feast for the senses, combines both traditional Hawaiian dishes and newly created luau-style cuisine. To create your own luau feast, use plenty of teriyaki sauce and tropical fruits. Your inspiration for luau party food should come from the tropical environment of Hawaii; any number of tropically-inspired foods will complete the luau feeling.

One of the most popular tourist activities is a luau. This Hawaiian feast offers delicious food, including traditional Hawaiian dishes and exotic fusion cuisines, in addition to amazing entertainment, including fire dancing, a Samoan display, or hula dancing, which originates in Hawaii. The delicious buffet almost always includes roast pork, sometimes cooked in the traditional manner of an underground oven. Many of the largest hotels host their own weekly luaus to give tourists a taste of island life.

When vacationing in Maui, or indeed anywhere in Hawaii, don’t forget to leave plenty of time for the beach. On Maui, enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling to sneak a peek at the unique underwater life, including tropical fish, coral, and manta rays. Want to see the underwater life without getting wet? Schedule a submarine adventure. Other ways to enjoy the waves include swimming, surfing, and jet ski rentals. There are a number of specialty tours or cruises designed to offer you a unique view of the island and surrounding waters. Whale watching, for example, is particularly popular between the months of December and April, when these beautiful creatures may be spotted off the coasts of Maui.

Away from the beaches, explore the mountainous regions of Maui by helicopter or by Jeep. Visit the Oheo Gulch, also known as the Seven Sacred Pools. Located in Hana, this series of waterfalls and pools empties into the Pacific Ocean. According to legend, swimming all seven pools from start to finish will bring you good luck.

Maui is easy to explore thanks to the Hana highway, with runs along the entire east coast of the island. Other amazing views can be seen by hiking or biking along one of the many trails in Maui. Besides the breathtaking views, you’ll also get a chance to spot the unique flora and fauna that make Maui such an amazing place to visit. Maui is characterized by a diverse range of climates and environments created by its pair of volcanic mountains, ranging from lowlands to forest to rainforests filled with exotic species of both plant and animal life.

There are inarguably thousands of amazing views from Maui, particularly along the coastline, though the best sunrise view is said to be on Haleakala crater. Haleakala last erupted in 1790; you can still see the lava flows on your visit to Maui. One of the world’s highest mountains, it measures 5 miles from the seafloor, and rises to 10,000 feet above sea level. For sunset, head to Lahaina, where you’ll find a street of shops and restaurants and a wharf, from which sunset cruises and whale watching journeys often depart.

What Middle Eastern-style meal would be complete without skewers of grilled shish kabob? While its name still evokes the exotic locales of places such as Turkey and Arabia, shish kabob spread across Asia to Europe, America and Australia, becoming a truly global dish.

Every shish kabob cook has his or her own favorite recipes, but here are 5 of the most frequently seen variations. Experienced cooks suggest using stainless steel skewers rather than wooden ones to avoid getting splinters in the food. Oiling the stainless steel skewers also will help get the entrée onto the plate when it’s time to serve.

Chicken Shish Kabob.

Chicken has become one of the more popular meats for shish kabob, especially in southern Asian recipes from India and points east. White meat chicken is cut into 1-1/2 inch cubes and threaded onto skewers, alternating with an array of vegetables as varied as the cook’s imagination. Since the meat for shish kabob is typically marinated in advance, cooks have the opportunity to come up with creative flavor combinations. Some like to use a single tense flavor such as teriyaki sauce, sometimes with a little ginger to give it some “kick.” A Japanese “yakitori” version mixes sake, soy sauce, molasses and grated onion, while a tropical island recipe uses pineapple juice mixed with brown sugar, soy sauce and dry mustard.

Beef Shish Kabob.

Beef has become another preferred meat for shish kabob. Cooks prefer to use sirloin for beef shish kabob because it grills well and holds up on the skewer. Teriyaki sauce is a popular marinade for beef shish kabob, while other cooks opt for red wine, flavored oils or the traditional olive oil mixed with a firecracker array of peppers or with cumin, the spice that gives Indian curry its zing. Beef shish kabob is most often matched with traditional vegetables: mushrooms, onions, green peppers and tomatoes.

Shrimp Shish Kabob.

While it can be difficult to use fish in shish kabob, shrimp is the perfect seafood for a skewer. In fact, the Australian “shrimp on the barbie” dish often turns out to be a shrimp shish kabob. Shrimp shish kabobs are about the easiest to make, because they can be grilled by themselves without vegetables, simply brushed with melted butter or teriyaki sauce. A simple recipe for shrimp shish kabob marinates a pound of shrimp two hours in olive oil with lemon, garlic, chopped and parsley pepper. Then it’s grilled for five minutes and delivers mouth-watering taste to eager diners.

Fruit and/or Veggie Kabobs.

Vegetarians can get into the act as well when it comes to shish kabob. In fact, some cooks love nothing more than to fill a skewer with squash, onion, mushroom, peppers, tomatoes, zucchini or other veggies, brush everything with teriyaki sauce or butter, and then grill and enjoy. Even chunks of fruit can be made into shish kabob, usually served with a sweet dipping sauce.

Lamb Kabobs.

Lamb shish kabob is the classic interpretation of this dish. In fact, shepherds in the Middle East probably originated the recipe. To make traditional lamb shish kabob, cut lamb into 1-1/2-inch cubes and marinate in olive with salt, pepper, garlic and oregano or mint. Alternate meat on the skewer with chunks of onion, tomato, pepper and mushrooms. Grill until the meat is medium well and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

The lei-giving custom was first observed by Captain Cook in 1779, though this tradition is believed to date back to at least several centuries before this sighting. Originally, the design and wearing of a lei was meant to symbolize the wearer’s social rank, which was reflected in both the type of flower used and how the lei was woven. Today, leis are frequently worn by Hawaii’s most important public figures, such as the governor, particularly for important public appearances and on holidays.

Leis have also been worn, both historically and in modern times, on important occasions, including births, deaths, victories, and graduations. Depending on the occasion’s symbolism, different flower varieties or colors can be incorporated into the lei. Leis are also used in various religious ceremonies, where lei rituals are completed to ask the gods for safety when traveling or fishing or for fertile crops.

Leis are a popular Hawaiian gift not only for special occasions but also as a symbol of respect, love, welcoming, or appreciation. Though lei ceremonies have typically been reserved for important occasions, today leis can represent many different meanings, and are seen at nearly every public gathering, for nearly any reason, throughout the islands. Many visitors even receive a lei when they arrive to Hawaii on vacation. They are said to represent the “spirit of aloha,” which can mean several different feelings, including a greeting, farewell, hope, joy, or love. A lei created from beautiful flowers is meant to represent a non-verbal expression of aloha.

One occasion in Hawaii where leis are nearly always seen is a wedding. The wedding couple can incorporate leis into their celebration in several different ways. The wedding officiant may bless or hold the flowers, which the couple then exchanges a symbol of their commitment to each other. They may also give the leis to their family, a symbol of the families joining together. They may choose to have the wedding party don leis instead of corsages, or give them to wedding guests as favors to symbolize their appreciation for the support of their guests.

Today, leis are popular gifts for dozens of different occasions, and the gift of a lei has come to symbolize many different feelings. Though there are almost no restrictions on the occasion or meaning of a lei gift, if you are the recipient of a lei, there are a few guidelines to follow. A lei is a very special, hand-woven gift, and it is considered rude to refuse on. It should be treasured, especially if you are honored with a lei made from a particularly rare flower. The lei should be worn around the neck, head, or a hat brim. Do not wear leis around your neck if you are pregnant; according to superstition, this represents the tangling of the umbilical cord. To dispose of a lei, never throw it in the trash. Instead, return it to nature, either to the area where the flowers were collected,  or by hanging it in a tree or floating it away in a body of water.