May 1st in Hawaiʻi Is “Lei Day”

“May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi♪” floating through the streets. As April comes to an end, a light and cheerful song begins to drift through Hawaiʻi: “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi♪” You’ll hear it everywhere from local radio to schoolyards where children sing it with bright, happy voices. The entire state gradually shifts into the warm, festive spirit of Lei Day.

What Is Lei Day?

A special day to celebrate Lei and Hawaiian culture across all the islands.

May 1st, known elsewhere as May Day, is celebrated in Hawaiʻi as Lei Day—a day dedicated to honoring the beauty of Lei and the traditions of Hawaiʻi. Schools, parks, cemeteries, and even statues throughout the islands host events to mark the occasion.

Lei Day began in 1928 when poet Don Blanding proposed the idea, and his colleague Grace Tower Warren coined the slogan “May Day is Lei Day.” By 1929, it had become an official statewide celebration, and it has been held every year on May 1st ever since.

Lei shops are filled with excitement

Children making Lei and dancing hula

As Lei Day approaches, people all over Hawaiʻi begin gathering flowers. Because Lei are made from fresh blooms, many locals stay up late the night before to finish their creations. Children also collect flowers from their yards or neighborhood parks and craft their own Lei by hand.

At preschools and elementary schools, students wear their handmade Lei and perform hula in special May Day programs. It’s a beloved tradition for parents, grandparents, and even great‑grandparents to gather at the school and watch proudly. The sight of families beaming as children sing and dance truly captures the spirit of Aloha.

About the Song: “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi”

Lyrics & Music by Ruth and Leonard “Red” Hawk

This iconic Hawaiian song begins with the memorable line “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi” and beautifully expresses the joy of the holiday. It celebrates Hawaiʻi’s flowers, the elegance of lei, women adorned with blossoms, and the happiness that Lei Day brings—all wrapped in a bright, uplifting melody. Its warm, springlike atmosphere continues to charm listeners today.

Honolulu’s Main Celebration: Kapiʻolani Park

One of the most famous Lei Day events in Honolulu is the large festival held at Kapiʻolani Park.

For 2026, the Lei Day Celebration is scheduled for: Friday, May 1, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

The festival features:

• Lei contests
• Live hula and Hawaiian music
• Lei‑making workshops
• Local craft vendors
• And many more ways to experience Hawaiian culture

The park is within walking distance from Waikīkī, making it an ideal event for visitors as well.