Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 25, Number 5, 1 April 2008 — MAY DAY EVENTS [ARTICLE]

MAY DAY EVENTS

MAY DAY IS LEI DAY IN HAWAI'I Many times, wearing lei will prompt the questions: ls it your birthday? Promotion? Graduation? The exception is Lei Day, a statewide oeeasion, whieh makes getting and giving lei customary for everyone, The first Lei Day was founded in 1928 at the suggestion of a Honolulu newspaper writer who believed that a celebration was in order for the special talents and emotions woven into Hawaiian flower garlands, On eaeh island, the holiday has truly blossomed (pun intended), with leimaking contests, workshops and concerts, 81 ST ANNUAL KAPI'OLANI PARK LEI DAY CELEBRATION Thurs„ May 1 , 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. At this grand-tūtū of all Lei Day celebrations, a Lei Queen and Court enhanee the celebration and symbolize warmth and goodwill of Hawai'i's unique floral adornments. Court investiture at 10 a.m. Lei eontest results announced around noon followed

* 1 by lei exhibit. Also, for the time ever, lei will be joined together in an effort to make the Guinness Book ofWor!d Records for the longest floral and greenery garland. 7683041 or www.honoluluparks.com. MAY DAY AT KAUA'I MUSEUM Thurs„ May 1,11 a.m. - 3 p.m. The lei contest begins with a lei viewing and culminates with an awards ceremony plus I— bidding on your favorite lei during a silent auction. Free at Kaua'i Museum. 808-245-6931 orwww.kauaimuseum.org.

FAIRMONT KEA LANI MAUI MAY DAY CELEBRATION Thurs„ May 1 , 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Featured floral or kukui nut lei are part of the celebration, whieh also includes a royal court procession. Fairmont Kea Lani in Wailea. Free. 808-875-4100.

MAY DAY AT LANA'I CULTURE & HERITAGE CENTER Sat„ May 3, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Enjoy a celebration of loeal lei makers at 01d Dole Building. Free. 808-565-7177 orhttp:// www.LanaiCHC .org .