05/02/2025
Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month!
Today is also Lei Day in Hawai‘i
�If you wonder why does Hawaii celebrate Lei Day and what is the significance of lei’s, here is some history…
Lei Day began in the late 1920s as a way to honor the beautiful, fading tradition of lei giving. Poet Don Blanding and columnist Grace Tower Warren proposed the idea, and on May 1st, 1928, the first Lei Day was celebrated in Honolulu. Warren even coined the now-iconic phrase.
By 1929, Lei Day became an official holiday statewide—an annual celebration of Hawaiian heritage, aloha spirit, and the deep symbolism behind giving and receiving a lei. More than just flowers, a lei represents love, respect, friendship, and connection. Today, the day is filled with music, hula, lei-making contests, and vibrant cultural expression.
The Story of the Lei Stand:�Long before tourism, leis held deep meaning in Hawaiian society—used in ceremonies, spiritual offerings, and as markers of status. Feathers, shells, and rare leaves adorned the most revered lei, often worn by ali‘i (royalty).
As the islands opened to the world in the early 20th century, lei stands began popping up at harbors and later airports, greeting visitors with a warm welcome and a garland of aloha. These stands became iconic symbols of Hawaiian hospitality—handcrafting not just a product, but a tradition.
This inspiration behind this cake is an ode to the iconic lei stands outside of Honolulu International Airport. The lei stands remain a beloved fixture to this day. Rows of colorful garlands, strung by hand with local blooms, greet arriving guests and reconnect locals to home. Every single time without fail, I was greeted with a lei from my Mom. These stands continue the legacy—some run by generations of lei makers—serving as symbols of continuity, community, and culture.
Happy Lei Day, Hawai‘i.�Let us celebrate with intention and aloha.
Cake inspo by the Lei Stand cake:
