Hawaiian leis are made with fresh flowers.
Hawaiian leis symbolize love, honor and respect and are often worn as part of traditional Hawaiian ceremonies. Leis can also symbolize welcome as they are offered to visitors upon arriving in the tropical paradise. Flowers used to make Hawaiian leis are not always native to the islands, but they are always colorful and fragrant.
Plumeria
Yellow Plumeria Blossoms
Native to the Pacific Islands, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America, plumerias are bright, colorful flowers that are also known as 'the lei flower.' Plumerias are deciduous shrubs and small trees that may grow to between 30 and 40 feet wide. Flowers in shades of white, red, yellow, pink and other pastels bloom for up to three months at a time. Plumeria blossoms have a sweet fragrance and last for several days after they are picked.
Orchids
Orchids
Dendrobium and other orchids native to the Hawaiian Islands are often used to make Hawaiian leis. Orchids are available in a variety of colors including white, purple, red, yellow, pink and orange.
Gardenias
One of the sweetest smelling flowers used to make Hawaiian leis is the gardenia. One species of this tropical beauty native to Hawaii is known as the forest gardenia. Small white tubular flowers with six or seven lobes bloom on trees that reach up to 15 feet tall.
Tuberoses
Tuberoses are native to Mexico, but are also cultivated in Hawaii, France, South Africa, India and China. Like jasmine, these fragrant flowers continue to produce scent even after they are cut. In addition to lei making, Hawaiians use tuberose blossoms as part of a bride's headpiece in a traditional Hawaiian wedding.
Ginger
Ginger is most notably known for the culinary and medicinal properties of its roots, but Hawaii also makes use of flowers grown on some varieties. Bracts from both white ginger and red ginger plants are striking flowers that are used to make Hawaiian leis and garlands.
Pikake
Pikake is the Hawaiian name for jasmine. Grown in Hawaii as a landscape plant and for lei production, pikake is a small white flower that grows between 3/4 and 1-1/4 inches in diameter. Available in both single and semi-double varieties, the single variety is the only type suitable to make leis.
Ilima
Ilima flowers are native to the Hawaiian Islands and are a favorite flower used to make leis. Ilima is known as the flower of Oahu and is a member of the hibiscus family. Blossoms may be yellow or orange and only grow to 1 inch in diameter.
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