Lei Day fills the Hawaii air with the fresh flower aroma

HONOLULU (KHON2) — A celebration of all things lei is taking place Wednesday for the 96th Lei Day celebration.

The free event in Kapiolani Park hosted vendors, lei booths, and live performances for the public to enjoy.

A contest was also held for the best fresh flower lei to showcase the skills and artistry of Hawaii’s lei makers.

All fresh flower lei from the contest will be brought to Mauna ‘Ala Thursday morning and placed on the graves of Hawaii’s Ali’I.

“You walk around the park you see vendors, you’ll see people making lei, you can learn how to make lei, the lei contest, hula, giving of hohokupa to the lei court. Just really such a celebration of native Hawaiian culture here at Kapiolani Park,” said Nate Serota, Department of Parks and Recreation spokesman.

Lei day was first celebrated in 1928.

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Over the years it has grown into a tradition with a lei queen and larger community events.