May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii…

Not quite spring, but not yet summer, May is the perfect month here in Hawaii. Its arrival is marked by warm, cloudless, sunny days, light trade winds, and best yet, fragrant blooms of gardenia, plumeria, puakinikini, pakalana, pikake and more – all of my very favorite flowers.

My fascination with flowers started at a very early age, and was only perpetuated by the many hours I spent in our neighbor’s lei garden as a small child. As I grew up, during the month of April you could find me at the Kauai Museum taking lei making classes, and, come May first, I would compete in the lei contest at the museums annual lei day celebration.

Since those days, May Day, a celebration of the exquisite flora and fauna found here in the islands, has always been one of my very favorite holidays – one that truly celebrates the culture and uniqueness of Hawaii. Festivals and celebrations open to the public happen statewide on May first and second, as well as at school’s where the children participate in May Day royal courts honoring each of the islands, as well as song and dance performances and special activities.

Here is a sampling of a few events being held in honor of May Day, as well as many others happening here in our islands throughout the month of May…. www.alohaliving.com