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Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Are you wearing the right color lei for Lei Day? Kumu Lum explains
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Every year on May 1, Hawaiʻi celebrates something special. It's not just another spring day. It's May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi; and it's a time to give, wear and honor lei. Kumu Brad Lum said this day means more than most people realize. 'May Day is very important for me and for my hula halau,' he said. 'We'll be performing and honoring the May Day court. This is an exciting time to honor the lei.' This year, he's not just making lei. He's helping open the event with an oli, performing hula with his halau at Kapiʻolani Park and even serving as the male oli for the day. Here are eight things Kumu Lum said you need to know to fully understand and celebrate Lei Day in Hawaiʻi the right way. The whole idea behind Lei Day is about sharing aloha. 'It's a big time to show your aloha for Lei Day,' Kumu Lum said. People across Hawaiʻi celebrate by making lei, wearing lei, giving lei and dancing hula. 'It's an exciting time to honor the lei,' Kumu Lum added. 'We're all excited.' 'Each island has a lei,' said Kumu Lum. 'And a lot of people don't know this.' For example: Niʻihau has the niʻihau lei that is made with shells. Its color is white. Kauaʻi has mokihana, and its color is purple. Oʻahu has ʻilima, which is bright yellow. Molokaʻi has kukui, which is green and silver. Lānaʻi has kaunaʻoa, an orange vine. Kahoʻolawe has hinahina, which is gray. 'Of course, no one lives on Kahoʻolawe,' said Kumu Lum, 'but we still honor it.' Maui has loke lani, a pink rose. Hawaiʻi Island has lehua, and its main color is red. 'That lehua flower is beautiful,' said Kumu Lum. 'But just a reminder, if you ever go and travel, you can't take it from island to island. They may give you a fine.'Each island's flower comes with a color, and those colors are part of the celebration. Kumu Lum said it helps people connect to where they're from. 'It all depends on what island you're coming from,' he said. 'The colors signify that.' 'May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi started back in March,' said Kumu Lum. 'They picked the Lei Day queen, and that was such a beautiful event.' He described it with pride. 'It was beautiful. It was so professionally done. It was such a great experience. I wish more people could show up.' The City and County of Honolulu's Parks and Recreation department organizes the event. Kumu Lum said he hopes more people get involved each year. 'Please, please do that,' he said. One of the biggest celebrations is at Kapiʻolani Park. That's where Kumu Lum's hula halau will dance. 'I'm very, very, very honored this year,' he said. 'We'll be performing and honoring the Li Day court.' Another major celebration is at Kaimana Beach Hotel. 'They have a huge Lei Day event coming up on May 1 and May 2,' said Kumu Lum. 'Kaimana Beach Hotel is hosting Kalani Peʻa.' (Click here for more details.) He added that the hotel even holds a lei contest. 'Yours truly will be a part as one of my lei will be in the contest as well,' he said with a smile. Some island flowers grow in surprising places. 'There's a specific lei that only is planted on the plateaus of Lānaʻi,' said Kumu Lum. 'It has to be dry. That's the only way that plant can thrive,' he explained. Even Kahoʻolawe, which no one lives on today, is included. 'There's a lot of hinahina all over the place on Kahoʻolawe,' he said. 'So, we honor that.' Kumu Lum encouraged everyone to take part, not just wear a lei for the day. 'I want you to come to the park on Lei Day,' he said. 'We're all excited.' If you've never been to a Lei Day event, he said now is the time. 'If you've never experienced the May Day is Lei Day queen contest, then please do that,' he said. 'It's so beautiful.' Lei Day is a chance to pause and reflect on aloha, culture, and where we come from. 'May Day is very important for me,' said Kumu Lum. 'Because I totally understand what May Day is all about.' To him, the lei is more than something to wear. It's a way to honor people, places, and history. 'This is an exciting time to honor the lei,' he said. 'So come, give a lei, wear a lei, show your aloha.' 'Mahalo,' he said. 'May Day is Lei Day. Give a lei. Wear a lei. Show your lei. Be there. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 You can click for more information on the Lei Day court. You can click for a documented history of Lei Day. Happy Lei Day, Hawaiʻi nei! Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How to make your lei with aloha and mana: Kumu Lum
HONOLULU (KHON2) — As the islands get ready for May 1, also known as May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi, there's one tradition that brings everyone together: making and wearing lei. Whether you're a beginner or someone who has made lei before, learning from people who live aloha every day can make a big difference. Kumu Brad Lum and his assistant Joylynn recently shared their knowledge with about two types of lei — a puako (flower) lei and a ti leaf lei — while weaving in deep respect for the ʻāina, plants and kūpuna (ancestors). 'This is about more than just making something beautiful,' said Kumu Brad Lum. 'This is about connection, about giving and about honoring.' This is what we learned from Kumu Lum and Joylynn. Joylynn shared two different styles: the lei pua kou (a flower lei using the kui, or stringing method), and the lei lāʻī (a twisted ti leaf lei). 'For the flower lei, I'm using pua kou,' said Joylynn. 'They're this really vibrant orange, and I love them not just for their color but because they're indigenous to Hawaiʻi.' Pua kou flowers grow freely and are easy to gather without harming the tree. 'The tree showers us with the flowers. So, if you go early in the morning, you can pick them straight off the ground,' she said. 'That's how giving the tree is.' To make a full-sized lei, Joylynn recommends collecting around 70 to 80 pua. 'You want the lei to be full, to drape nicely,' she explained. 'It depends on the size of the flowers and how tightly you string them, but that's a good number to start with.'Stringing the flowers may look easy, but one smart tip makes it smoother. 'I like to put a clothespin at the end of my string just so I can push the pua as far as possible, and they won't fall off the other side,' said Joylynn. When you're done, the knot you tie at the end turns the lei into a circle because it's a symbol of aloha with no beginning or end. 'The lei needle has an open eye,' Joylynn explained. 'It lets you wrap the string and pull it through without struggling. You can also stack more flowers on it before pulling them through.' Instead of plastic thread, she uses biodegradable dental floss. 'It's all natural; so, when the lei goes back to the ʻāina [the land] it won't leave anything behind,' she said. 'You can hang it on a tree, bury it or even give it to the ocean.' 'The lei lāʻī is really simple,' said Joylynn. 'But you still have to treat it with respect.' To start, soften the ti leaves by boiling them, freezing them or ironing them. Then, cut off the hard edges and begin twisting. 'Because I'm right-handed, I twist the right side away from me, as tight as I can,' she said. 'Then I go right over left. Always right over left.' You can add more leaves along the way by laying them shiny-side up on the right side, then continuing to twist and fold them in. 'It can be a lei for your neck, your wrist, or your bag strap,' she said. 'It's up to you.' Ti leaves are often waved at University of Hawaiʻi volleyball games. But what happens after that? 'If you're going to wave them to support our Rainbow Warriors, that's great,' Joylynn said. 'But don't throw them away afterward.' Kumu Lum agreed: 'This is our ʻohana. This is from the ʻāina. It's not ʻopala — it's not trash.' In fact, Joylynn gathers the ti leaves from the stadium floor after games and uses them to make lei. 'This isn't just a thing you make,' said Kumu Lum. 'You wear a lei to give aloha. You give a lei to show love. You return it to the ʻāina to show respect.' Even as Joylynn worked with her hands, twisting ti leaves and threading flowers, she spoke softly but firmly: 'Everything around us, everything we touch, it's alive. It has mana [power].' And sometimes, lei making gets sticky. Literally. 'The sap from the ti leaf is sticky, not greasy,' Joylynn said with a laugh as she held up her fingers. 'I use a little spray bottle to clean my hands, so I don't rip the leaves. It's all about taking care of the plants, of yourself and of the lei.' Making a lei is about using your hands. But it's also about using your heart and your mind to imbue your creation with aloha. 'When you make a lei, your thoughts go into it,' Joylynn said. 'So, you want to focus on positive thoughts. You're giving this lei to someone, and you want to pass that positivity on.' Whether you're thinking about the person you're gifting it to or simply feeling grateful for the day, what you feel becomes part of the lei itself. That's why intention matters. 'You don't want to give someone your stress, your anxiety or your negative feelings,' said Joylynn. 'You want to give them your aloha.' Kumu Lum added, 'That's why making a lei is ceremony. You slow down. You breathe. You connect.' So, before the first flower goes on the string, and long after the last leaf is twisted, remember: what you carry in your thoughts is just as important as what you hold in your hands. Making a lei isn't just a craft. It's a way to honor life, people and place. As May Day approaches, remember what Kumu Lum said: 'Honor our lei. Wear lei. Give a lei. And aloha. Always.' Kumu Brad Lum So, whether you're twisting ti leaves under a tree, or stringing flowers from your front yard, you're doing more than just making something pretty. You're practicing aloha. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Want help making your first lei this May Day? Kumu Lum and Joylynn say: just start. 'It's okay if it's not perfect,' said Joylynn. 'You're learning. That's the lei, too.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Yahoo
13 things to know about Hawaiʻi before you visit
HONOLULU (KHON2) — Visiting Hawaiʻi is one of those once in a lifetime experiences for many. So, when you come, you want to be sure you understand how to maximize your time and your fun. Here is a list of the 10 most important things to know before you take the plunge and begin planning your holiday in we said in the introduction, for many, coming to Hawaiʻi on holiday, it is a once in a lifetime experience. So, why bring your stress, anxiety, anger or resentment? Slough off the things that make you feel dead inside before you arrive. Once in Hawaiʻi, embrace the culture, the slow pace of life and feel the excitement, joy and peace that comes with leaving the anger and stress behind. Hawaiʻi's culture is laid back. So, when it comes to dealing with anger and stress, it's best not to lash out at the people around you. Be kind to the hotel staff, the servers at the restaurants and the people who help you at the beach or on excursions. Being kind and embracing aloha costs nothing. There are six habitable islands where visitors can go and soak up all that is Hawaiʻi. Oʻahu is known as the Gathering Place Isle. Oʻahu is Hawaiʻi's economic and political hub. The state capitol is located in Honolulu which is also where the Hawaiʻi's royal family lived. Kauaʻi is north of Oʻahu and is known as the Garden Isle. It's sparsely populated but has an incredible amount of natural beauty. Maui is known as the Valley Isle since two valleys make up most of the island's topography. Home to Lāhainā, it was the hub for the royal family before they moved to Honolulu. Molokaʻi is known as the Friendly Isle. The locals on this island work to preserve Hawaiʻi's history, it's gorgeous natural beauty and its strong sense of community. Lānaʻi is known as the Pineapple Isle. It was once home to the world's largest pineapple plantation. The island is secluded and quiet which adds a mystique to it. Hawaiʻi Island is known as the Big Island. It's where all the active volcanoes and telescopes are. On one side of the island is Hilo, and on the other side is Kailua-Kona. If you plan on traveling between islands while you visit, plan before you come. It is not easy to hop from island to island. You need to plan. Also, keep in mind that Hawaiʻi is the most remote location on Earth; so, of course, it has its own time zone. Hawaiʻi is six hours behind New York and two hours behind Los Angeles. It is 19 hours behind Tokyo and 20 hours behind Sydney. Aloha is a concept as well as a word that's used to say hello, goodbye and even thank you. Aloha is about kindness and respect regardless of who you are, where you come from or what you look like. As a matter of fact, local etiquette strongly encourages patience and kindness in all parts of our lives. You can click to learn more about what Aloha is and how to embrace in for your visit with Kumu Brad Lum, a local spiritual and community leader. Be sure to pack Hawaiʻi-approved sunscreen. The sun is closer to the Earth the closer you get to the equator. So, the sun has a much more powerful impact on your skin. And since coral reef health is incredibly important to the islands' ecosystems, it is imperative that you use the right sunscreen. Respect for the ʻāina is very important to the residents of Hawaiʻi. Hawaiʻi has one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world; so, locals take their kuleana (responsibility) to maintain the ʻāina very seriously. So, don't leave the water running at the beaches. Clean up after yourself when you're on a hike or other adventure. Follow the rules set out for the activities you are experiencing. Do not interfere with the marine life. While lots of people like taking photos with wildlife, this can get you expensive fines and possible jail time. So, DO NOT molest the marine and wild life in Hawaiʻi. Bringing fresh fruits or live animals into Hawaiʻi is heavily restricted and regulated. This is because Hawaiʻi's ecosystem is quite fragile. The state protects its fragile ecosystem from invasive species that can prey on Hawaiʻi's animals without any natural predators. When you go through the airports, agricultural inspection at the airport to safeguard native plants and animals from potential biological threats. Be prepared for pretty rapid temperature fluctuations. While Hawaiʻi has a small temperature band compared to other places in the United States, the wind, waves and humidity can make the temperatures feel pretty cold. Well, it's one of two official languages of the state, the other being English. The Native Hawaiian people were prevented from speaking their language for several decades after the illegal overthrow of the royal family by U.S. industrial interests But over the years, there has been a strong resurgence of the language with ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi words springled throughout locals' vernacular. When you visit Hawaiʻi, you undoubtedly come into contact with Native Hawaiians. Live aloha and malama the ʻāina (care for the land), and you will be just fine. Native Hawaiian legends caution that taking volcanic rocks can anger Pele, the fire goddess. Some visitors who fear bad luck have been known to send back stolen rocks. Beyond the superstition, it is also illegal to remove anything from national parks. Leaving nature undisturbed helps preserve these landscapes for future visitors. So, be sure to malama the ʻāina while you're a visitor. In Hawaiʻi, tipping follows the standard U.S. customs practice. Restaurant servers typically expect 15–20%, and tour guides and hotel staff are also grateful for tips. You need to tip because many service industry workers in the U.S. do not have the same protections and benefits that are afforded in other places. Even airport shuttle drivers often depend on gratuities. Not tipping may be considered impolite or disrespectful, especially in the service-focused tourism industry. Just because you can swim in a lake doesn't mean you can swim in an ocean. Many people die in ocean related fatalities each year; and Hawaiʻi is no different. Be cautious. Always have a partner with you. Don't take calm surface water for granted. The Pacific Ocean is a mighty entity. The shaka is legendary in Hawaiʻi. Long linked to Hawaii's plantation era, it has become a way for locals to show their kindness and appreciation. Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHON's morning podcast, every morning at 8 Throw a shaka when you let someone into traffic. Throw a shaka when you thank a driver for waiting for you to cross the street. The shaka is pretty much universal and is recognized by locals as a sign of respect and that you are embracing Hawaiʻi's culture. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
