May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii (May 1st )
Back in 1928 poet and writer Don Blanding wrote in a newspaper that a holiday should be held in Hawaii to honor the custom of making and wearing lei. Fellow writer Grace Tower Warren came up with the idea to celebrate this on May 1st and is credited with "May Day is Lei Day".
If you are ever at the Honolulu Airport one of the best treats is to visit the lei making booths just outside the drop off areas for the main terminal. They strand the most beautiful fresh lei there.
Most of our celebrations for this day are held at the schools each year in May. There is a big celebration with a king and queen along with royal court. There can be conch shell blowers and Kahili bearers too. Hula is danced and lei are worn. As a parent it is a proud moment to watch your child in the fun May Day/Lei Day celebrations.
My son Joseph (Kenui) was chosen to represent his sophmore class at St Anthony Jr Sr High School this year by performing a hula. Can't wait to see it.
Aloha, Gina
