May Day is Lei Day in Hawai’i Nei
Celebrate May Day in Hawaii with a Free Lei-Making Class
In Hawai‘i, May Day is more than just the start of spring, it’s a cherished cultural celebration known throughout the islands as Lei day! Every year on May 1st and throughout the month of May, residents and visitors alike come together to honor the Hawaiian tradition of lei-making, music, hula, and aloha.
For visitors traveling to Oahu, taking a free lei-making class is one of the most memorable ways to connect with Hawaiian culture during your vacation. Whether you’re crafting a beautiful orchid lei or learning how to weave a traditional bracelet, these experiences offer more than just a souvenir, they provide a deeper appreciation for the spirit and traditions of Hawai‘i.
The Meaning Behind the Hawaiian Lei
In Hawaiian culture, a lei represents love, welcome, friendship, celebration, and respect. Lei are commonly given during birthdays, graduations, weddings, arrivals, and special occasions. The act of making and giving a lei is rooted in sharing kindness, connection, and care with others.
Many lei are handcrafted using fresh flowers, ti leaves, seeds, or woven natural materials. Each island even has its own official lei and flower, adding to the cultural significance behind this beautiful tradition.
Free Lei-Making Classes to Experience on Oahu
If you’ll be visiting Honolulu or Waikiki this May, here are some wonderful free lei-making classes and workshops to check out.
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
The Veranda at The Kāhala Hotel & Resort offers free cultural classes through the Kāhala Initiative for Sustainability, Culture and the Arts.
Weekly Classes:
- Haku Kupe‘e Bracelet-Making
- Every Thursday, 9–10 a.m.
- Lei-Making
- Every Friday and Sunday, 10–11 a.m.
Guests can learn how to weave bracelets from raffia or create beautiful flower lei while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the resort. Classes are free and open to the public, with no reservations required!
Visit:
The Kahala Hotel & Resort
Royal Hawaiian Center
Every Friday from 11 a.m. to noon, visitors can participate in a complimentary orchid lei-making class at the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki.
All materials are provided, making it a perfect family-friendly activity for visitors ages 10 and older. Space is limited to 24 guests and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Visit:
Royal Hawaiian Center
International Market Place
Located in the heart of Waikiki, the International Market Place hosts a free flower lei-making class every third Thursday from noon to 1 p.m.
Held in the beautiful open-air Queen’s Court, this class is a relaxing way to enjoy Hawaiian culture while shopping and exploring Waikiki.
Visit:
International Market Place
Why Visitors Love Lei-Making Classes
Lei-making classes have become one of the most popular cultural activities for travelers visiting Hawai‘i because they:
- provide a meaningful cultural connection,
- create a memorable handmade keepsake,
- offer a relaxing family-friendly activity,
- and allow visitors to slow down and experience the aloha spirit firsthand.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to the islands, participating in a lei-making class during May is a beautiful way to celebrate the spirit of aloha and create lasting memories in Hawai‘i.