Lei Day 2025: A Burst of Aloha at Oahu’s 97th Annual Celebration

Picture a warm May morning in Honolulu, where the air is fragrant with plumeria and pikake, Hawaiian music floats through the breeze, and vibrant leis drape over smiling faces. This is the magic of the 97th Annual Lei Day Celebration on Oahu, set for May 1, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Kapi‘olani Park near the Bandstand. Hosted by Mayor Rick Blangiardi, the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation, and the 96th Lei Court, this free event is a vibrant tribute to Hawaiian culture and the lei—a garland that embodies love, friendship, and the spirit of aloha. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a kama‘āina, Lei Day offers an unforgettable immersion into Hawaii’s heart and heritage. 

Photo Credits: ​Honolulu Parks & Rec

A Day to Celebrate the Lei’s Legacy

At its core, Lei Day is a celebration of the lei, a symbol of connection woven into Hawaii’s cultural fabric. The Lei Contest Exhibit, open from 1:00 PM to 4:45 PM, showcases the artistry of Hawaii’s lei makers, who transform flowers, leaves, nuts, and even feathers into stunning garlands. You’ll see traditional styles like the haku (braided head lei), wili (twisted or wound lei), and kui (strung flower lei), each telling a story through its materials and craftsmanship. Some leis feature vibrant orchids and tuberose, while others incorporate native plants like the hau (Hibiscus tiliaceus), the featured material for 2025. If you’re inspired, bring your own fresh flower lei to the Lei Receiving Booth between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM to enter the contest and join this living tradition.

Beyond the leis, the day is a cultural feast. Hula hālau perform graceful dances that narrate Hawaii’s stories, their movements synchronized with the rhythm of ancient chants. From 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the Hawaiian Steel Guitar fills the park with its soulful melodies, evoking the islands’ musical heritage. For hands-on fun, join the lei-making sessions starting at 10:00 AM (while supplies last), where you can learn to weave your own lei under the guidance of skilled artisans. Local food vendors serve up island favorites like kalua pork sliders, shave ice, and loco moco, while craft stalls offer handmade jewelry, woven lauhala hats, and other treasures. This vibrant mix of sights, sounds, and flavors makes Lei Day a sensory celebration of aloha. 

Why Lei Day Captures Our Hearts

Lei Day is more than an event—it’s a heartfelt expression of Hawaiian values like aloha (love), ohana (family), and kākou (togetherness). The 2025 theme, “Hoʻokahi ka ʻilau like ʻana” (Wield the paddles together), reflects the spirit of unity, reminding us that we’re stronger when we work as one. Imagine a family crafting their first lei together, or a visitor receiving a fragrant plumeria lei from a stranger— these moments weave connections that linger long after the day ends. For locals, it’s a chance to honor their heritage; for travelers, it’s a window into the soul of Hawaii. The featured hau material, with its resilient yellow blooms, symbolizes the enduring strength of these traditions. 

History of Lei Day

The roots of Lei Day stretch back to 1927, when poet and journalist Don Blanding, enchanted by the lei’s beauty and symbolism, envisioned a day to celebrate it. Collaborating with Grace Tower Warren, a columnist for the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Blanding proposed May 1 as “Lei Day” to honor the garland as a universal emblem of aloha. The first celebration in 1928 was a modest affair, with lei-making demonstrations and small gatherings in Honolulu. By 1929, the Territory of Hawaii officially recognized Lei Day, and it quickly spread across the islands. Over the decades, the event grew, moving to Kapi‘olani Park in the 1980s to accommodate larger crowds. The addition of the Lei Contest, hula performances, and the Lei Court (a group of ambassadors selected annually) solidified its status as a cultural cornerstone. Today, the 97th Lei Day Celebration continues to preserve Hawaiian traditions while inviting visitors to share in the aloha spirit, making it a beloved tradition for nearly a century. 

Weave Lei Day Into a Larger Oahu Tapestry​
Lei Day is a perfect starting point for an Oahu adventure, and Hi Private Tours can craft a journey that weaves together the island’s cultural, natural, and culinary highlights. After immersing yourself in the festival, let us take you to ‘Iolani Palace, the only royal palace in the U.S., to explore Hawaii’s monarchical past. Craving adventure? We’ll guide you to Hanauma Bay for world-class snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs or lead you on a hike up Koko Head Crater for panoramic views of Oahu’s eastern shore. Foodies can savor a private food tour, stopping at local gems like Leonard’s Bakery for warm malasadas or Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck on the North Shore. Whether you’re a family seeking kid-friendly activities, a couple chasing romance, or a culture enthusiast, we’ll tailor a private tour to your passions. Visit Hi Private Tours to book your custom Oahu experience today!

Tips to Make the Most of Lei Day:

• Get There Early: Arrive at 9:00 AM to catch the opening ceremonies, including the Lei Court’s welcome, and secure a prime spot near the Bandstand. 
• Join the Lei-Making: Dive into the lei-making sessions at 10:00 AM—flowers like orchids and plumeria are limited, so arrive promptly to participate. Bring a small container to keep your lei fresh. 
• Explore the Exhibit: Visit the Lei Contest Exhibit from 1:00 PM to 4:45 PM to marvel at intricate leis up close. Take photos (no touching!) and chat with artisans about their techniques. 
• Wear Your Aloha: Opt for light, breathable clothing like aloha shirts or sundresses, and wear comfortable shoes for walking the park. Apply sunscreen and bring a hat or umbrella for shade.
• Engage with Vendors: Sample local treats like Spam musubi or coconut haupia from food stalls, and browse crafts for unique souvenirs. Bring cash, as some vendors may not accept cards.​

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Photo credits: Spectrum News/Sarah Yamanaka

How to Get There: Kapi‘olani Park
The Lei Day Celebration unfolds at Kapi‘olani Park, located at 2805 Monsarrat Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815, nestled between the iconic Diamond Head and Waikiki’s bustling energy. Here’s how to reach this lush, historic park:

• By Car: From Waikiki, drive east on Kalākaua Avenue, turn right onto Monsarrat Avenue, and follow signs to Kapi‘olani Park. Limited parking is available along Monsarrat and Paki Avenues, but spaces fill up fast on May 1—arrive by 8:00 AM to snag a spot. Street parking is free, but bring coins for metered areas nearby.
• By Public Transport: Take TheBus Route 2, 23, or 24 from Waikiki to the Kapi‘olani Park stop (Monsarrat Ave/Paki Ave). A one-way fare is $3 (subject to change); check www.thebus.org for schedules. Buses run frequently but can be crowded during events.
• By Rideshare: Use Uber or Lyft for a hassle-free drop-off at the park’s entrance on Monsarrat Avenue. Expect surge pricing during peak festival hours.
• Map: Navigate with this Google Maps link to Kapi‘olani Park.

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Pack sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a hat, as you’ll be outdoors under the Hawaiian sun all day. Consider bringing a picnic blanket to relax on the park’s grassy lawns between activities.

Let Hi Private Tours Keep the Celebration Blooming:
The Lei Day Celebration is a beautiful way to experience Hawaiian culture, but Oahu has so many more stories to tell. At Hi Private Tours, we specialize in crafting personalized adventures for families, couples, and culture enthusiasts. Want to visit historic sites, hike to a hidden waterfall, or simply soak in more of Oahu’s natural beauty? We’ll create the perfect itinerary for you. Head to Hi Private Tours and book a tour to keep the aloha spirit blooming throughout your trip.

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We can’t wait for you to join the 97th Annual Lei Day Celebration on May 1, 2025, and we’d love to show you more of Oahu with Hi Private Tours. Mahalo, and let’s share the aloha!