A lei is more than just a beautiful
adornment—it’s a timeless symbol
of love, friendship, and celebra-
tion. In Hawai‘i, it’s a cherished
tradition to give a lei for birthdays,
graduations, weddings, anniver-
saries, and special moments. A lei
is often presented with a kiss, a
gesture that carries the warmth of
aloha, a wish of luck, or the spirit
of connection. Traditionally crafted
from shells, feathers, flowers, and
seeds, the lei has evolved with cre-
ative materials like ribbon, fabric,
paper, candy, and even currency.
This guide will teach you how to
make your own lei, whether you’re
using fresh flowers, crocheting with
yarn, or creating intricate designs
with origami and money. Learn
the techniques behind strung leis,
rickrack sewn leis, shell leis, and
more! With easy-to-follow instruc-
tions and step-by-step photos, this
book offers something for every-
one—from beginners to seasoned
crafters. No matter the occasion,
you’ll have everything you need to
craft the perfect lei and