Perhaps you’ve heard
the old hapa haole hula anthem, “May Day is ‘Lei
Day’ in Hawaii.”The song is still largely true.
Each year on May 1, many residents statewide celebrate Hawaiian
culture and island culture by attending music and hula shows,
sporting their best aloha wear and wearing colorful floral
lei.
But Honolulu politicos—Mayor Mufi Hannemann, most
prominently—are hoping to prove May Day is indeed
Lei Day this year with the construction of Guinness world-record-breaking
floral lei in Waikiki’s Kapiolani Park. Minimum length?
One mile when the string of flowers is finally tied together.
Thousands of fresh flowers, hundreds of volunteers and two
full days will be necessary to accomplish the task. And
if you’re in town on May 1, you could participate
in the world-record attempt as one of many residents and
visitors holding the lei when the mayor connects the ends.
We’re thinking seriously cool photo op for the mayor
(and you) here.
The city’s 81st annual Lei Day celebration in Kapiolani
Park will also feature live music and hula, demonstrations
and exhibits of Hawaiian craftmaking, and lots of colorful
and fragrant lei for sale.
You’ll find a complete schedule of Lei Day celebration
events here. More information about the city’s Lei
Day celebration and Guinness world-record attempt is here.
|