The lei maile serves as the timeless backdrop for our distinctive designs. Known for its fragrant leaves, the lei maile symbolizes love, respect, and connection to nature in Hawaiian culture. Its elegant simplicity has made it a cherished adornment for special occasions.

Uses: The ʻilima flower, with its vibrant yellow petals, is often used in lei making and as a decorative accent in Hawaiian crafts.

History in Hawaiʻi: Revered by Hawaiian royalty, the ʻilima was once reserved for the highest-ranking chiefs and their families. Its beauty and rarity made it a symbol of prestige and honor. Princess Kaʻiulani, the beloved heir to the Hawaiian throne, had a deep affection for the ilima flower, often wearing it in her hair as a symbol of her royal lineage.

Benefits: Beyond its ornamental value, ilima is also used in traditional Hawaiian medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.

Significance: The ilima's beauty has captivated people beyond Hawaii, and it is admired for its resilience and ability to thrive in diverse environments.

Scientific Name: Jasminum sambac

Uses: Pīkake, also known as Arabian jasmine, is prized for its delicate white flowers and sweet fragrance. In Hawaiʻi, it is commonly used in lei and perfumes due to its enchanting scent.

History in Hawaiʻi: Introduced to Hawaiʻi in the 19th century, pīkake quickly became a beloved flower in Hawaiian culture. Its association with love and purity makes it a popular choice for weddings and other celebrations. Princess Kaʻiulani, was particularly fond of pīkake, often wearing lei pīkake.  

Benefits: Aside from its aromatic allure, pīkake is also used for its calming properties.

Significance: The pīkake holds cultural significance beyond Hawaiʻi, with its use in perfumery and ceremonies in various parts of the world.

Common Name: Umbrella Tree

Scientific Name: Schefflera actinophylla

Uses: Heʻe, or umbrella tree, is known for its large, glossy leaves and striking red flowers. In lei making, it adds texture and contrast to the design.

History in Hawaii: Native to Australia and parts of New Guinea, the Octopus Tree, or heʻe in Hawaiian, has been part of Hawaii's landscape since around 1900, likely brought over for its ornamental appeal. Despite its beauty, it has become a pest across all the main Hawaiian Islands. Here's how it impacts our environment: It spreads rapidly, forming dense thickets in forests. Its dense foliage creates deep shade, hindering the growth of other plants below. Sometimes, it starts growing on another plant, and when its roots reach the ground, it begins to strangle its host tree.

Scientific Name: Hedychium gardnerianum

Uses: ʻAwapuhi kāhili, or Kāhili ginger, is prized for its fragrant flowers and decorative foliage. In lei making, its vibrant blooms add color and elegance.

History in Hawaiʻi: Originally from the Himalayas, ʻawapuhi kāhili was brought to Hawaiʻi in the 19th century for ornamental purposes. They lyrics of, "My Yellow Ginger Lei" by John Kaonohiokala Keawehawaii speaks about its beauty. 

Significance: With its exotic allure, ʻawapuhi kāhili has gained popularity in the global floral trade, adorning gardens and bouquets worldwide.

Scientific Name: Cordyline fruticosa

Uses: The ti-leaf, with its long, slender leaves, is a versatile plant used in various aspects of Hawaiian culture. In lei making, its leaves are woven into intricate patterns, symbolizing protection and good fortune.

History in Hawaiʻi: Indigenous to Southeast Asia, the ti plant was brought to Hawaiʻi by early Polynesian settlers. It holds significant cultural and spiritual importance in Hawaiian traditions. 

Benefits: In addition to its cultural significance, ti leaves are believed to possess cleansing properties and are used in ceremonies and healing.

Significance: Beyond Hawaiʻi, the ti plant is revered in other parts of the world for its ornamental value and cultural symbolism. It is often associated with resilience and prosperity.

Scientific Name: Fagraea berteriana

Puakenikeni, with its sweet fragrance and delicate petals, holds a special place in Hawaiian lei culture. Its name, which translates to "ten-cent flower," reflects its historical use as a popular adornment in the islands.

Uses: Puakenikeni flowers are commonly used in lei making and are prized for their intoxicating scent and vibrant color. In addition to their ornamental value, puakenikeni flowers are also used in traditional Hawaiian medicine for their calming properties.

History in Hawaiʻi: Indigenous to Southeast Asia, puakenikeni was introduced to Hawaii in the 19th century. Since then, it has become deeply ingrained in Hawaiian culture, symbolizing love, friendship, and hospitality.