LEI POINA‘OLE PROJECT
Revitalize + support the lei industry
Lei, a worldwide icon of Hawaiʻi
Although making and giving lei is rooted in Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island culture, it has become an integral tradition in local Hawai‘i customs, ceremonies, and celebrations. Traditionally lei were made with native flowers and foliage grown and gathered within one’s ahupuaʻa. Today, lei are comprised of materials found throughout Hawaiʻi and the world.
Listening to our community
BEHawai‘i board members created LPP after hearing concerns from lei-flower growers, lei makers, and vendors about the decreasing supply of local flowers and its drastic effect on the Hawaiʻi lei market. Lei Poinaʻole can be expressed in English as “the never forgotten lei” and evokes the feelings that one has when receiving or sharing a lei. With this knowledge, LPP is committed to embodying its name and upholding its kuleana to ensure that the Hawaiʻi lei industry and its people are never forgotten.
Garnering support for a better future
In 2022, LPP was awarded a three-year Federal Administration for Native Americans (ANA) grant. With a full-time team dedicated to strengthening the local lei industry, LPP seeks to support eight pre-existing and 16 new small and medium lei growers across Hawai‘i by 2025. Through community partnerships, educational programs, and a network of growers, makers, and vendors, LPP will foster relationships and create resources for future generations. Like a lei made of multiple materials of various sizes, colors, and shapes, LPP is bringing together different businesses, organizations, and individuals to support the sustainable growth and longevity of the local lei industry. In addition, LPP is ensuring the demand for local products by increasing awareness and generating demand for locally grown flowers, materials, and lei.
We encourage you to join us on our journey as we grow and sew lei in Hawaiʻi. When you buy locally produced lei you are: nourishing our ʻāina, supporting Hawaiʻi farmers, preserving local traditions, and sharing aloha throughout our community.
Plant Farmers
Nā Pilina
Lei Makers
Lei Shops
Lei Receivers
E Kōkua Mai
Fill out the form if you are interested in getting involved in the Lei Poinaʻole Project through either one of these four ways:
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Financial support for the Lei Poinaʻole Project allows us to strengthen the impact of our mission and powerfully support Nā Pilina in a sustainable manner. If you’d like to donate, contact us at info@behawaii.org.
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We welcome individuals, businesses, and organizations who feel called to help and participate in this kuleana. If you are a lei maker, lei or floral shop owner, or a frequent lei customer, we value your manaʻo as true stakeholders in the lei industry.
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One of our primary goals for the Lei Poinaʻole Project is to support current and establish new farmers who can plant and grow lei resources. If you have an existing farm or have dreamed of being a farmer and are ready to take the next step, contact us today.
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One lei takes many hands to reach the final product. The love for lei is universal, and we need each other to ensure the lei industry can thrive for generations. Help us to spread awareness of the Lei Poinaʻole Project by following us on social media, sharing about us with a friend, or filling out the form below.