Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 24, Number 4, 1 April 2007 — MAY DAY IS LEI DAY [ARTICLE]

MAY DAY IS LEI DAY

In 1928, poet Don Blanding first broached the idea of creating a day to celebrate the Hawaiian practice of giving lei. Since then, May Day has become an island tradition, with a huge slate of annual events. Here's a rundown of some ofthis year's festivities: Lei Day at Kapi'olani Park May 1 , 9 a.m. The City and County of Honolulu will hold its 80th Lei Day celebration, featuring a royal court, lei contests and entertainment. Kapi'olani Park, Waiklkl. Free. 692-5118. The Brothers Cazimero Lei Day concerts May 1 and May 2, 7:30 p.m. both nights This year marks the 30th time the Brothers Cazimero will hold what is perhaps the signature event of the May Day season. Robert and Roland will perform first on May Day at the Waikīkī Shell and then travel to Maui for their second concert the next day at the Maui Arts and Cultural Center's Castle Theater. $20$45 for the Waikīkī event. 1-877-750-4400. $10-$40 for Maui concert. 808-242-7469. mountainapplecompany.com/mayday. May Day in Nōnōkuli May 1 Kumu Hula Leato Savini and his Hālau Nā Mamo o Tulipa will host "Ka Lei o ka Lanakila," an all-day festival featuring entertainment, games, crafts and food. Nānākuli Beach Park, O'ahu. 688-4242. May Day lei contest, Kaua'i May 1,10 a.m. Who is this year's best lei maker on Kaua'i? Kaua'i Museum is holding its annual competition to find out. Event also includes a craft fair, food and entertainment. Kaua'i Museum, Līhu'e. 808-245-6931 or kauaimuseum.org. Mauna 'Ala lei ceremony May 2, 9 a.m. Lei from the City and County's May Day contests will be brought to the Royal Mausoleum, where they will be offered to Hawai'i's late ali'i. Mauna 'Ala, Nu'uanu. May Day Ho'olaule'a, South Kohala May 5 The Waikōloa Beach Resort's King's Shops will host a ho'olaule'a featuring demonstrations, arts and crafts, entertainment and, of course, lei making. 808-886-8811. May Day Festival at Hilo's Palaee Theater May 6, 1 p.m. The historic Palaee Theater will host this festival, complete with demonstrations, lei contest, entertainment and short films. Free. 934-7010 or hilopalace.com. ^

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