In Hawaii, Lei are popular gifts to celebrate outstanding accomplishments and milestones such as graduation. This time-honored practice reflects Hawaiian culture, and it’s spread to other parts of the world where families and friends want to celebrate the academic achievements of their loved ones. In the following guide, find out more about how this tradition began and evolved and what some of the most popular styles of graduation leis are.

What Are Graduation Lei?

A Lei is any assemblage of items strung together for use as a necklace or garland. The best-known ones consist of flowers and became known to the world as the Kingdom of Hawaii established connections throughout the 19th century. From then on, travelers became aware of the islands’ traditional culture.

One aspect of the changes to Hawaiian society in the 1800s was the introduction of formal schooling. Like those in the mainland United States and elsewhere, families in Hawaii wanted to celebrate their children’s accomplishments in graduating from high schools and universities. 

They adapted the traditional floral assemblage as a commemorative item for this important milestone. As a result, graduation Lei recognize a graduate’s achievements and symbolize wishes of good luck and fortune in a loved one’s further education or career.

What Are Common Types of Graduation Lei?

As in many other life events, garlands made from traditional lei flowers, such as orchids, tuberose, and ginger blossoms, are the most popular for male and female graduates. One or two strands of these bright blossoms can add a festive, colorful aspect to any ceremony.

Alternatively, graduates may prefer to wear ti or maile leis that are made from native Hawaiian greenery. Other favorite types include kukui nut or cigar options, which are made from collections of hundreds of red and orange cylindrical Cuphea ignea flowers.  Finally, Lei Po'o, worn around the head is a very popular addition to any graduate!

This summer, you can commemorate a young graduate’s success by giving them a stunning lei from Watanabe Floral in Honolulu. Serving Hawaii residents for over 75 years, they have been recognized as the state’s best florist from 2003 to 2021 by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and Best of Hawaii Florist and Lei 2020-2022.  This florist offer an extensive selection of lei flowers and styles to help you create a meaningful, personalized tribute to a young graduate’s hard work. Call/text (808) 832-9360 to place an order, and visit their website to view their designs.