For many visitors to Hawaii, receiving a lei around the neck upon arrival is the traditional start of their trip and a sign that they are officially on vacation. However, leis are more than just a welcome gift for tourists. Flowers are a significant part of Hawaiian culture, and no celebration is complete without them. Haku lei are flower crowns worn for luaus, weddings, graduations, and other celebrations, but they are much more than an accessory.

The Types of Haku Lei

Although most people refer to traditional Hawaiian flower crowns as haku lei, the correct term is actually lei po'o, or lei for the head. Haku lei is the person who weaves the lei, while the lei haku is the finished crown itself. However, haku lei has become an acceptable term for the lei.

What makes this style of lei different from others is that the flowers are braided or woven together; they are not threaded together with string like the leis worn around the neck. The flowers and foliage are braided together, usually with ferns and tea leaves, to keep them in place while worn.

Many haku lei are also made using the wili technique. These crowns feature flowers and foliage attached to a base using raffia or ti leaves. A well-made wili style lei will have a clean and smooth inside, which makes the crown more comfortable to wear. 

Flowers for Haku Lei

The flowers are the focal point of a haku lei, and most makers use whatever flowers are fresh that day to create their crowns. Often, haku lei are given as gifts and designed specifically for the recipient. The weaver chooses the flowers and foliage specifically for that person, or the person giving the gift can choose the colors. Some of the most common flowers used in this type of lei making include tropical blooms like orchids, plumeria, wax flowers, and lilies, as well as carnations, roses, and other varieties of more traditional garden flowers. 

If you are looking for a haku lei for yourself or for a gift, turn to Bella Rosa Corporation in Honolulu, HI. These experienced florists work with a wide variety of flowers and can import specific blooms from all over the world to help bring your floral vision to life. View a gallery of their work online, or call (808) 848-7673 or (808) 951-0787 to discuss your needs and place an order.