Most Popular Types of Hawaiian Leis and Their Differences

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, you might want to familiarize yourself with the different types of leis and the plants and flowers featured in them. Leis are common all over Hawaii at different gatherings. Many people give leis as gifts or welcoming presents, and there are many different varieties of leis. Keep reading to learn the most popular types of Hawaiian leis and their differences.

Orchid Leis

Orchid leis are one of the most popular varieties of leis, despite not all orchids being indigenous to Hawaii. There are three types of orchids that are native to Hawaii: Anoectochilus sandvicensis, Liparis hawaiensis, and Platanthera holochila. Orchids are useful for leis due to their sturdiness and light scent, which makes them useful for any occasion. These flowers make long-lasting leis, which are great for preserving.

Ti Leaf Lei

The ti leaf lei is made from woven leaves. This type of lei is popular with men and women, despite its simplicity. The ti leaf lei symbolizes appreciation and respect. You can often find these leis as accessories and gifts at graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and more.

Pikake Lei

The pikake lei is made up of small, delicate flowers that are also known as Arabian jasmine outside of Hawaii. While they are small, these flowers feature a strong aroma that smells sweet and spicy at the same time. These leis make great gifts for their fragrance and delicate appearance.

Maile Lei

The maile leaf lei is similar yet different to the ti leaf lei. These leis share some of the same characteristics but differ when it comes to fragrance. Maile leis and the vines they come from have a distinctly sweet and earthy scent, while ti leaf leis have a more floral, plant-like scent. The maile lei is very popular among men’s leis and is used to celebrate birthdays, weddings, and more.

Did you learn something new about the different plants and flowers that go into lei arrangements? If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii in the future, you can expect to see all these leis during your travels. Now, you’re better prepared with knowledge of the most popular types of Hawaiian leis and their differences.