Lei Aloha: Celebrating the Vibrant Flowers and Lei of Hawai’i

Stylist Estes debuts with a lush look at the Hawaiian culture of leis, the colorful floral garlands thought to have been brought to the islands by Polynesian travelers between 500 and 1200 CE. Blending historical, social, and personal meditations, Estes explores the origins and art of lei making alongside vibrant photos of the author’s designs. She recounts getting her love of lei making from her native Hawaiian grandmother, from whom Estes learned the symbolic connotations of particular blossoms (lehua flowers are associated with Pele the volcano goddess, and maile vines with Laka, goddess of the forest) and techniques for stringing materials. Personal anecdotes describe the occasions leis are worn for, as when Estes reminisces about preparing leis for May Day festivities while in high school alongside images of leis made of purple and white crown flowers. She explains that the first kind of lei most learn to make involves using a needle and thread to sew blossoms together into a garland, but other styles include “twisting leaves into ropes” and tucking flowers into their strands, as well as braiding ferns together. The author prioritizes cultural background over how-to instruction, and the attractive designs and accompanying insights don’t disappoint. Eye-catching and historically informed, this amounts to a generous celebration of Hawaiian tradition. (Apr.)