If you've ever stepped off a plane in Honolulu and felt that sweet, heavy scent hit your nose, you've probably wondered what flowers are used to make Hawaiian leis to give them that incredible aroma. It's one of those experiences that sticks with you. But the truth is, there isn't just one "lei flower." Depending on the island you're on, the occasion you're celebrating, or even the time of year, the blooms can change completely.
While we often see the classic purple and white garlands in movies, the world of lei-making is actually a lot more diverse and meaningful than most people realize. Let's break down the most common flowers you'll find in these beautiful necklaces and why they're chosen.
The Iconic Plumeria
You really can't talk about Hawaiian leis without starting with the plumeria. If you close your eyes and imagine a tropical flower, this is likely what you're seeing. They have those thick, waxy petals that look almost like they're made of porcelain.
The reason plumeria is so popular for leis is pretty simple: they grow everywhere. In many Hawaiian neighborhoods, you'll see trees just dripping with yellow, white, pink, or deep red blossoms. They're easy to string because the center is soft, and they hold their shape well—at least for a day.
The scent is what really wins people over, though. It's a mix of jasmine, citrus, and gardenia. However, there's a little secret to plumeria leis: they don't last very long. If you get one, you've got to enjoy it right then and there, because by the next morning, the edges will start to turn brown. They're the "live in the moment" flower of the lei world.
The Durable Dendrobium Orchid
If you've ever received a lei at a graduation or a wedding on the mainland, it was almost certainly made of Dendrobium orchids. These are the workhorses of the floral industry. Usually, they come in shades of purple, white, or a "greenish-yellow" tint.
Unlike the plumeria, orchids are incredibly tough. You can keep an orchid lei in a plastic bag in the fridge for several days, and it'll still look fresh when you pull it out. They don't have much of a scent, which is actually a plus for people who are sensitive to strong perfumes. Because they're so sturdy, they're the go-to choice for shipping or for events that last all day in the sun.
Tuberose: The Scent of the Islands
If you want a lei that can perfume an entire room, you're looking for tuberose, or Kupaloke in Hawaiian. These are small, white, star-shaped blossoms that grow in a spike. When they're strung together, they create a dense, textured rope that smells absolutely intoxicating.
Tuberose is often paired with other flowers because its scent is so powerful. You'll frequently see it spiraled with colorful carnations or wrapped with green leaves. It's a favorite for brides and for special celebrations because it feels—and smells—a bit more luxurious than your standard orchid strand.
The Surprising Popularity of Carnations
It sounds a bit weird at first, right? We usually think of carnations as the "filler" flowers you find in cheap grocery store bouquets. But in Hawaii, they're treated with a lot more respect.
When lei makers use carnations, they often use a technique where they strip the green base and string the petals so tightly that they look like fluffy, ruffled pom-poms. These are called "double carnation" leis. They're incredibly heavy and soft, and they come in every color imaginable. They're a staple for political rallies, graduations, and Father's Day.
Pikake: The Hawaiian Jasmine
Pikake is a tiny, delicate white bud that is actually a type of jasmine. It was the favorite flower of Princess Kaʻiulani, who named it after the peacocks (pikake) that roamed her gardens.
Because the flowers are so small, it takes hundreds of them to make a single strand. They're usually strung "rope style," and it's common to see women wearing multiple strands—sometimes up to ten or twenty at a time! The smell is light, sweet, and very sophisticated. Because they're so labor-intensive, pikake leis are usually reserved for very special guests or romantic gestures.
Puakenikeni: The Ten-Cent Flower
The name Puakenikeni literally translates to "ten-cent flower," referring to a time long ago when you could buy a lei made of these for just a dime. You definitely can't find them for that price anymore!
These flowers are fascinating because they change color as they age. They start out a creamy white, turn a buttery yellow by midday, and eventually become a deep, burnt orange. They are incredibly soft and have a scent that is arguably the best in Hawaii—think of a creamy, tropical gardenia. They are very fragile, though, so you have to handle them like eggshells.
The Royal Crown Flower
The Crown Flower was the favorite of Queen Liliʻuokalani, and when you look at the center of the bloom, it's easy to see why—it looks exactly like a tiny violet or white crown. These flowers are unique because they don't have a scent and they don't wilt like other blossoms. They actually just slowly dry out.
They are often used in "Haku" style leis, which are the ones you wear on your head like a floral crown. They add a great structural element and a bit of "regal" history to any arrangement.
Native Blooms: Ohia Lehua
While many of the flowers mentioned above were brought to Hawaii from other places, the Ohia Lehua is a native treasure. These are usually bright red (though sometimes yellow or orange) and look like little explosions of thread or pom-poms.
This flower is deeply tied to Hawaiian mythology and the volcano goddess, Pele. There's an old saying that if you pluck a Lehua blossom on your way up the mountain, it will rain, as the sky is crying for the lovers (Ohia and Lehua) who were separated. Because it's a native plant and culturally significant, these leis are often used for hula performances and traditional ceremonies.
It's Not Just About the Flowers
While the question of what flowers are used to make Hawaiian leis is the most common one, it's worth noting that many traditional leis don't use flowers at all.
- Maile: This is a leafy green vine that has a spicy, woodsy scent (a bit like vanilla or wet earth). It's the "king of leis" and is traditionally worn by men, especially grooms at weddings.
- Ti Leaf: These are long green leaves that are twisted or braided. They're thought to bring good luck and protection.
- Kukui Nut: You've probably seen these—they look like polished black or brown marbles. They last forever and were traditionally worn by royalty.
A Note on Lei Etiquette
If someone gives you a lei, there are a few "unspoken rules" to keep in mind. First, never refuse a lei—it's considered a bit rude because the person giving it is sharing their "aloha" with you. If you're allergic or the scent is too strong, it's okay to take it off politely after a few minutes, but always wear it initially.
Also, it's traditional to never "close" a lei (meaning it shouldn't be a full circle) if you're giving it to a pregnant woman, as this is seen as bad luck for the baby. Instead, give an "open" lei that drapes over the shoulders.
When you're finished with your lei, don't just throw it in the trash. Since it comes from the earth, the traditional way to dispose of it is to return it to the earth. People will often hang them on a tree branch, scatter the petals in the ocean, or compost them.
Why the Variety Matters
The reason there are so many different answers to what flowers are used to make Hawaiian leis is that a lei is more than just an accessory. It's a way of communicating. A pikake lei says something different than a ti leaf lei. A plumeria lei is a "welcome home," while a Maile lei is a "congratulations on your new life."
Whether you're looking for something that smells like a dream or something that will last through a long plane ride home, there's a flower for that. Next time you see one, take a closer look—you might just recognize the ruffles of a carnation or the tiny crown of a Queen's favorite blossom.