Beautiful Blossoms: 7 Tropical Flowers in Hawaii
Beautiful Blossoms: 7 Tropical Flowers in Hawaii
Back in 1988, Hawaii decided to designate the yellow hibiscus as the state’s official flower. Also referred to as Pua Aloalo or Ma`o-hau-hele, the yellow hibiscus is native to Hawaii and found on all of the main Hawaiian islands.
The yellow hibiscus is far from the only flower that you’ll find in Hawaii, though! There are so many different tropical flowers in Hawaii. So many, in fact, that every single Hawaiian island has its very own official flower.
If you’re looking to send a gift to someone to let them know how much they mean to you, you can’t go wrong with sending Hawaiian flowers. But before you send them, it’s a good idea to take the time to learn more about your options.
Here are seven tropical flowers in Hawaii that would make the perfect gift for that special someone in your life.
1. Plumeria
All of the flowers in Hawaii have special meanings within Hawaiian culture. But you could argue that none are more special to the Hawaiian people than plumeria flowers.
Plumeria flowers are often either bright pink or yellow, and they have a very strong, easily recognizable smell that sets them apart from other flowers in Hawaii. They’re meant to symbolize love and hope, which is what makes them such a welcomed sight in Hawaii.
Plumeria flowers are also used to symbolize the romantic status of a woman in Hawaii. If she places a plumeria flower in her hair behind her left ear, it’s meant to show others that she’s involved in a relationship. If, however, she wears it behind her right ear, it’s meant to let others know she’s single and interested in meeting someone.
Believe it or not, plumeria flowers did not originate in Hawaii despite their high level of importance. They were actually discovered in Mexico back in the 1800s.
But that hasn’t stopped them from transforming into one of the most prominent flowers in Hawaii today.
2. Bird of Paradise
Unlike plumeria flowers, bird of paradise flowers are native to Hawaii. You’ll see them just about everywhere you go when you visit a place like Maui.
It’s hard to miss bird of paradise flowers when you’re around them. They’re orange and blue, and they’re found growing out of hibiscus bushes. They don’t smell, but they do stand out in a crowd thanks to their striking appearance.
Bird of paradise flowers symbolize many things to Hawaiians, including joy and freedom. It’s why they’re often included in beautiful bouquets put out at Hawaiian hotels and other places of business.
3. Ginger
Just about all of the flowers in Hawaii are beautiful in their own way. But very few of them prove to be as useful as the ginger flowers found in the state.
There are a bunch of different kinds of ginger flowers in Hawaii that come in a range of colors, including blue, pink, red, yellow, and white. These flowers are used to create everything from traditional Hawaiian dishes to shampoo.
There are some Hawaiian landscapers who can’t stand ginger flowers because of how hard it can be to get them to stop growing in certain areas. But their rich colors and purposeful ingredients make them a favorite of those visiting the state.
4. Anthurium
Much like the aforementioned plumeria flowers, anthurium flowers are not indigenous to Hawaii. They were first discovered in different parts of Central and South America, mostly growing in humid rainforests.
They were brought to Hawaii in the late 1800s, and ever since then, they’ve made a name for themselves in the state. There are more than 1,000 different types of anthurium that you’ll find growing in Hawaii today.
Some of the most common types of anthurium include:
- Obake anthurium
- Lady Jane anthurium
- Purple arc anthurium
- Rainbow anthurium
- Pink anthurium
- Midori anthurium
Each specific type of anthurium features a different dazzling color. During a trip to Hawaii, it’s fun to see how many different types you can find scattered around on the various islands.
5. Orchid
You can’t talk about flowers in Hawaii and not mention leis! Leis have become synonymous with Hawaii, and while there are many flowers that can be used to create leis, orchids are some of the most common flowers found in them.
Hawaiian orchids can be any number of colors. But the ones used to make leis are usually either purple or white.
In Hawaii, orchids represent beauty and luxury. You can find them in different places throughout the state, but they’re most often found growing in Hawaiian rainforests.
6. Pikake
Many Hawaiian leis contain orchids. But there are also other flowers, like pikake flowers, that have found a home in leis over the years.
Pikake flowers are among the most fragrant flowers in Hawaii, and they have such a distinct smell that their scent is considered to be one of the signature scents of the state.
Pikake flowers are often favored by brides and hula dancers. They also have the distinction of being named by Princess Kaiulani. She named pikake flowers after the peacock, which was her favorite bird.
7. Heliconia
You’ll have to travel a little bit off the beaten path in Hawaii to find heliconia flowers like upright heliconia flowers. They grow in the mountains and in some of the parks located throughout the state.
Because of this, these flowers are taller, heavier, and thicker than almost all of the other flowers in Hawaii. They come in colors like pink, yellow, and red.
Upright heliconia flowers are added to many Hawaiian bouquets to provide them with height and density. There are also other great heliconia flowers, like tropic fleur heliconia flowers, that can be used in tropical floral arrangements.
Tropical Flowers in Hawaii Make Amazing Gifts
If you’re ever fortunate enough to visit Hawaii, your trip won’t be complete until you get the chance to see every last one of these flowers. The flowers in Hawaii are unforgettable, so make sure you’re able to see as many of them as you possibly can.
Consider sending Hawaiian flowers the next time you decide to send someone a bouquet of flowers, too. They’ll be amazed by how beautiful the flowers that come from Hawaii truly are.
Contact us today to find out how you can create a gorgeous tropical flower arrangement using flowers from The Aloha State.
Complete Guide to Getting the Perfect Hawaiian Wedding Flowers
Complete Guide to Getting the Perfect Hawaiian Wedding Flowers
The beauty and romance of Hawaii is never more evident than seeing the vibrant tropical blossoms produced from this paradise.
Are you lucky enough to be traveling to Hawaii for a dream destination wedding? Maybe you fell in love in Hawaii and want it to be a part of your special day. Either way, including colorful, tropical Hawaiian wedding flowers as a part of your wedding will add to the beauty of the day.
Take a look at the flowers of Hawaii and how you can incorporate them into your Hawaiian wedding.
Hawaiian Flowers Options
Think about all the ways to add Hawaii to your wedding day. You might want a Hawaiian wedding bouquet, leis, or a sprinkle of Hawaii’s gorgeous orchids. Consider using them for an arbor archway, aisle and reception arrangements and for the wedding party.
Take a look at some of Hawaii’s tropical wedding flowers to use in a variety of ways for your special day.
Anthurium
The Anthurium flowers are found abundantly in Hawaii. The flowers have a waxy petal that is long lasting. Seeing them, you think tropical paradise.
Their flowers come in bright reds, subtle shades of pink and purple, green, and even bi-color. Consider using them clustered together in centerpieces to make quite a statement. Their vibrant colors also play well in Hawaiian wedding bouquets.
Bird of Paradise
Another gorgeous flower that commands the image of the tropics, the bird of paradise is quite the statement flower. The flower, a colorful tropical bird, is sturdy and statement-making.
The petals of the Bird of Paradise are bright orange and yellow which come from a base that almost appears blue to purple. This flower is long lasting as a cut flower making it a beautiful addition to both bouquets and arrangements.
Hawaiian Hibiscus
The Hawaiian Hibiscus screams Hawaii. The yellow version is the flower of the state, while most will recognize the red Hibiscus as the flower they associate with Hawaii. In 1988, Hawaii actually named the yellow version as the state flower.
Whether you use a single flower in a hair clip or group them in bouquets or arrangements, the big flowers are a statement that you want Hawaii as a part of your wedding day.
Orchids
Have you ever tried to grow an orchid and found that challenging? Not so, in Hawaii where orchids grow plentifully.
Orchids are a beautiful choice for weddings because of the wide range of colors. Shades of purples and whites are most common in Hawaii and often used in leis.
You can also consider using all white orchids. Consider sprinkling white orchids on tables. You can use them for leis for the bridal party or bride and groom. How about a haku crown with orchids.
Plumeria
The Plumeria, also known as the Frangipani, has pretty blossoms and an intoxicating, lovely fragrance. Although the Plumeria flower is not native to Hawaii, it’s a favorite when selecting Hawaiian florals.
The flowers, with the soft velvety petals, come in a variety of color choices. These are often used for leis or in the hair of females.
But pay attention to Hawaiian tradition. If your Plumeria is worn on your right ear, you’re telling the world you’re single. Over your left ear, you are already taken.
Can’t Get More Hawaiian Than Leis
Nothing says Hawaii more than a Hawaiian lei. The tradition of a lei made from beautiful Hawaiian flowers suggests love, friendship, celebration, honor or greeting.
Leis can be simple with a single color and one flower type. They can also be much more intricate with multiple colors and floral choices.
How can you incorporate leis into your wedding day? The bride and groom could opt for matching beautiful white orchid leis. One tradition even has the bride and groom exchanging leis as part of the ceremony.
The wedding party could wear coordinating tropical leis. The bride and groom could gift their respective new families with leis as a part of the wedding celebration.
Dress Your Men with Maile Leis
The maile lei is a garland worn by men. Like a regular lei, it can be made from green maile leaves. Small white flowers, called pikake are sometimes woven into the green maile leaves too.
The groom or males in the wedding party might even choose to wear a maile lei and a traditional lei at the same time.
Symbolizing devotion, the fresh maile lei has the groom bringing the perfect message as he recites his vows. Maile leis are also believed to offer protection, good luck and even give healing powers to the wearer.
Traditional Hawaiian wedding ceremonies have the kahuna pule, or holy man, take the bride and grooms hands and wrap them together using the maile lei.
Haku Crown and Hawaiian Floral Clips
Another lovely way to add Hawaiian flowers to your wedding day is by working them into your attire.
You can choose to have floral clips made that become part of your wedding day hair. While you might be wearing white, imagine a tropical orchid, plumeria or hibiscus bringing your wedding look romance and color.
Haku crowns are another alluring wedding choice. Imagine the haku as a lei for your head. Use this in place of a veil.
Your wedding attendants would also look lovely wearing a romantic haku woven from Hawaii’s tropical flowers.
Hawaiian Wedding Flowers for Your Special Day
Whether you are planning to marry in the tropical paradise of Hawaii or want to bring some of the tropical beauty to your wedding, Hawaiian flowers are the way to go.
Hawaiian wedding flowers bring the romance of Hawaii to your wedding ceremony. You can bring the colors and style of Hawaii into your celebration with bouquets, leis, centerpieces, and garlands.
Let us help you select and create beautiful Hawaiian flower arrangements for this special day in your life. We can ship Hawaii to you or add to your Hawaiian wedding event. Contact us today to start your planning.
Spiritual Meanings of Hawaiian Flowers
Tropical Flower Symbolism: Spiritual Meanings of Hawaiian Flowers
Tropical Flower Symbolism: Spiritual Meanings of Hawaiian Flowers
What do you picture when you think of Hawaii?
One of the images in your mind is probably a floral garland – known as leis – that people wear around their necks.
Flowers have huge importance, significance, and symbolism in Hawaiian culture. There are many ways that you can wear them, and they are associated with gifts, ceremonies, and celebrations including greetings, weddings, and accomplishments.
But what is the significance of these beautiful tropical flowers?
The Plumeria Flower
The plumeria flower is one of the most significant and powerful within Hawaiian culture.
It is either a bright pink or creamy yellow color and has a strong and sweet scent that is adored by many. In the past, only royalty was allowed to wear this flower due to its wonderful smell.
The plumeria flower represents birth and love; spring and new beginnings. It’s an extremely positive and hopeful symbol, so it’s no surprise that it’s extremely popular and adored.
In Hawaiian culture, the plumeria can be used to symbolize a woman’s romantic status when worn in the hair. If the flower is behind a woman’s left ear, she is in a relationship. If it is worn behind the right ear, she is willing to meet a romantic partner.
In Buddhist culture, the plumeria represents immortality. This is probably because the tree will bloom even if it is uprooted. The tree is considered sacred, and in Laos is planted outside every Buddhist temple.
You can find the plumeria flower all over the island. But it’s not a native flower. It was introduced to Hawaii by a German botanist in 1860. The plant thrived in the tropical climate and volcanic soil that is found in Hawaii.
The Hawaiian Hibiscus Flower
The hibiscus is Hawaii’s state flower.
This yellow flower is striking and beautiful. The vivid color signifies delicate beauty and joyfulness.
The Hawaiian hibiscus shrubs bloom almost every day, but the blossoms only last for a day. In the past, they were considered an endangered flower. Now, you can find the hibiscus growing nearly everywhere, with over thirty new species on the island.
The Bird of Paradise Flower
The bird of paradise flower is a striking orange and blue blossom that is in indigenous to Hawaii. It grows between the shiny leaves of the hibiscus bush and looks like a bird hiding among the bushes.
The bird of paradise flower symbolizes magnificence and joy. Like a bird who is free to soar in the skies, the flower also represents freedom and liberty.
The Red Tower Ginger Flower
The red tower ginger flower is difficult to miss.
It is a spiky bright red blossom which grows in a spiral shape. It looks similar to the outside of a pineapple, with its many pints. The red tower giant flower can grow to a large size, making it even more striking.
The flower can mean diversity, wealth and burning passion. It’s considered a good sign if you find a red tower ginger growing nearby.
The Orchid Flower
Hawaiian orchids are available in a huge range of dazzling colors. You’re most likely to spot them in the popular and well-known purple and white leis.
The orchid symbolized refinement, beauty, and luxury. In ancient Greece they also represented virility.
There are four varieties of orchid that are indigenous to Hawaii. You’ll find them growing in the rain forest.
The Ginger Flower
The flower of ginger is the small white buds that grow from the hive of the stems. You can find ginger flowers in red, pink, blue, white or yellow on Hawaii.
Ginger is believed to be a very useful plant and flower, used for everything from helping stomach pains to shampooing hair.
The Pikake Flower
This is the Hawaiian name for jasmine. It was named by Hawaii’s Princess Kaiulani whose favorite bird was a peacock. This is why pikake translates to ‘peacock’.
The pikake has a light, bright and gentle scent. They are often worn by brides, hula dancers, and honored guests.
The Ohia Lehua Flower
The ohia lehua flower is often related to Pele, the volcano goddess. The flower is known as the first flower to begin growing on lava flows after a volcanic eruption.
The legend says Pele was intrigued by a handsome man called Ohia. But Ohia was in love with another woman called Lehua. Heartbroken, Pele transformed Ohia into a twisted tree. Lehua begged for Ohia to be returned. Instead, Pele transformed Lehua into a blossom on the Ohia tree so the lovers could be together forever.
That’s why It’s believed that, if you pick a lehua flower off of the tree, it will rain. It is the tears of Ohia and Lehua as they are separated.
The Naupaka Flower
The naupaka flower is known for its unique shape; it looks like half of the flower is missing.
The Hawaiian legend claims that a princess named Naupaka fell in love with a common man that she was forbidden from marrying. An elderly wise woman told them of a distant temple where they should pray for guidance. They traveled for days but, when they arrived, the priest said that he could not help. A heartbroken Naupaka took the white flower from her hair and tore it in half. She gave one half of the flower to her lover and told him to return to the beach. She stayed in the mountain.
That’s why one type of naupaka plant grows in the mountains, and the other grows on the beach, while both look like only half a flower.
The Symbolism of Tropical Flowers
The tropical flowers associated with Hawaii are beautiful, vibrant and colorful. The leis and floral decorations associated with the island make the people seem welcoming and friendly.
But they are so much more than that. Each individual flower has a specific story, meaning or symbol behind it. By knowing more about the flowers, we are able to understand more about Hawaii’s culture, history, and people.
Discover and celebrate Hawaii’s tropical flower culture for yourself here.
7 Iconic Tropical Flowers That Will Make You Think of Hawaii
7 Iconic Tropical Flowers That Will Make You Think of Hawaii
7 Iconic Hawaiian Plants That Will Put Hawaii on Your Mind
Different flowers capture the romance and tropical beauty of The Big Island. Here are 7 iconic Hawaiian plants that will put Hawaii on your mind.
What makes you think of the tropics? Are you dreaming of a trip to Hawaii, or reminiscing about your last visit?
The islands are paradise, and the vast species of flora that grow in the state makes it hard to choose only a few that remind you best of Hawaii.
Yet some native Hawaiian flowers are iconic and you won’t forget them no matter how long ago your trip was. Here are the 7 most memorable flowers from Hawaii.
1. Hibiscus – The Most Iconic Native Hawaiian Flowers
These giant flowers come in all different colors, so they’re perfect for any arrangement because you can match your other decor. The yellow version is the state flower of Hawaii, so you’ll think of the state and your tropical vacation whenever you see them.
With many breeds to choose from, these can be annual or perennial. They grow on trees or shrubs, and can be very tall if you take good care of them. You’ll recognize them by the large stamen and small number of graceful petals that adorn each blossom.
Some breeds get used to make a fragrant tea, which you can serve hot or cold.
2. Orchids
Again with many types of breeds, these fragile flowers are called okika in Hawaiian.
These elegant blooms make great gifts, and they’re often sold with a thin stake to help the stems stay upright. Most blooms have one stamen, although the original flowers had two or even three.
The petals can be all different colors, and often times are speckled. These plants need lots of water, but you need to let them dry out before you water them again or they can develop root rot.
You can also add fertilizer or plant food specific to orchid growth.
3. Plumeria
While these Hawaiian flowers are widespread through other tropical regions like the Caribbean, they’ll bring back lots of memories of Hawaii because they’re ubiquitous on the islands. They’re called melia in Hawaiian.
A typical plumeria bloom has five pink petals with yellow edges. They’re a small flower. They smell the best at night time because that’s when moths come to pollinate them, but they smell delightful during the day, too.
You’ll find other colors, too, like white and orange and even purple flowers. The trees they grow on can get up to 40 feet tall if they’re flourishing.
4. Jasmine
Here’s another flower that you may have seen in a tea. The Hawaiian word for the bloom is pikake. There are many species all around the world, but the most iconic blossom is white, with tiny flowers that grow in a bunch.
The petals are long and pointy, and you might recognize them from a lei you had at a traditional luau. These and other native flowers get combined to make the iconic necklaces or headdresses that are part of the ceremony.
5. Maui Rose
This is the flower for the island of Maui on Lei Day. Also called Lokelani in Hawaiian, often these gorgeous pink blooms get worked into a lei with other blossoms.
Each island has a specific flower assigned to it for Lei Day. Each island elects a court with a king and queen to help celebrate the native culture of the islands. Kauai chooses a fruit to make their leis from.
Niihau uses a pupu shell, and Molokai uses kukui. Each flower or item is the color that’s assigned to the island (for example, kukui is green and Molokai’s chosen color).
6. Bird of Paradise
The middle of the flower looks like there’s a blue or purple bird launching itself into the air. You can almost see a beak and a crest in the shape of the flower.
These blooms are an iconic tropical flower that are sure to make you think of The Big Island and your visit there. They grow in warm climates with lots of rain. The outer petals are yellow or orange, and they surround the inner bloom that resembles the bird.
The plants are perennial and also grow in temperate climates, like South Africa. You might also have heard it called a crane lily.
7. Gingers
The flowers of this can be many colors, and you might be surprised to learn that these are what you saw on your visit to the Hawaiian islands. While ginger roots are a familiar sight, in particular if you cook a lot, the flowers aren’t as recognizable.
The blooms are often white, but you might have seen blue or purple or even pink or yellow ones, too. The butter-colored stamens are long and stretch out far past the petals.
Ginger root and ginger tea can soothe an upset stomach. In fact, ginger suckers or candies get marketed to pregnant women to help with morning sickness.
Powdered ginger makes every fall baking experience better, including pumpkin pie and other spicy cakes and cookies.
On your strolls through beautiful gardens in Hawaii, or cruises through the jungle, you probably saw ginger plants and flowers. The good news for you is that you can grow this inside your home, even if the weather in your climate isn’t the right zone for growing them outdoors.
Tropical Beauty You Love
These beautiful native Hawaiian flowers are destined to be the best reminders of the Hawaiian islands. Whether you’re still planning your first trip, or you already had a romantic getaway, these blooms are beautiful iconic symbols of the island state.
You can cultivate hibiscus, jasmine, orchids, and many others at home to help bring back the sweet memories.
For other info on the romantic flowers of Hawaii, read more of our blog.
The Many Ways You Can Wear the Different Flowers of Hawaii
The Many Ways You Can Wear the Different Flowers of Hawaii
With 9.3 million tourists flocking to Hawaii each year, there’s a way you can get a taste of paradise without the 6+ hour flight.
It’s said that our smell is the strongest sense, linking directly to memory. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to trigger the memories of a perfect Hawaiian vacation with your own array Hawaiian flowers?
Now you can.
When you think of Hawaii, you no doubt think of the delicate petals of plumeria flowers strung together in stunning leis draped around your neck, wrists, and ankles. But there are many other flowers and ways to wear the flowers of Hawaii.
In this article, we’re uncovering all the ways you can wear your topical flowers from your hair to your toes!
Grab your piña colada; we’re on island time now.
The Many Flowers of Hawaii
Before we can dive into all the ways to wear nature’s masterpieces, let’s find out all about the different types of Hawaiian flowers we can use to spice up our outfits.
Plumeria
The most famous flower of Hawaii, by far, is the plumeria. The smell of this fragrant blossom is supposedly said to greet you as soon as you walk off the plane.
Plumerias are perfect strung into leis or worn in your hair.
Orchids
The exotic shape and design of orchids make them a worldwide favorite flower. They come in a variety of colors (all except blue) and species. There are even a variety of natural and manmade hybrids.
They’re quite easy to care for and are stunning when tucked behind your ear or added into a garland.
Jasmine
Pikake, the Hawaiian name for jasmine, has a fragrance unlike any other flower. These make a perfect choice for wearing in your hair or along pressure points like your neck or wrists allowing you to forgo perfume for the evening.
Gingers
These stunning blossoms come in a variety of colors like yellow, pink, white, red, and blue. They, too, have an amazing scent causing people to shampoo them in their hair!
Want to know more about each of these beauties? Check out our Hawaiian flower buying guide for more in-depth descriptions and pictures of our most popular Hawaiian flowers and foliage.
It’s everything you need to select the best tropical flowers for your arrangement or lei.
Ways to Wear Them
Whether you’re planning a luau or a fun Hawaiian themed event, you’ll be sure to stop the show with these creative and authentic styles.
1. Flower Crown (Haku lei)
Getting ready for a festival or a bridal shower? Make your outfit complete with a perfectly crafted flower crown.
Traditional Haku leis use greenery to weave the structure and bring out the bright colors of the blossoms.
All you need to do is grab a few of your favorite Hawaiian flowers like plumeria or orchids and some greenery and you’re ready to start crafting your crown!
2. Flower Necklace (Lei)
You’d be hard pressed to walk into a luau and not see someone rocking a lei.
Greeting someone with a beautiful Lei made of plumerias or orchids is the Hawaiian way to say hello or “aloha”.
Instead of buying one of those fake plastic leis that itch your neck like crazy, why not get a real one? The intoxicating smell of paradise will get you in the mood for any party. We’ve even got men’s leis, especially for your male guests.
3. Flower Bracelet (Kupe’e)
Hawaiian flower bracelets are usually made of green garland but occasionally have white flowers woven through. It’s the perfect accent to any tropical outfit.
Traditionally, Tahitian dancers wear bracelets (and anklets) to emphasize the movements of their hands.
4. Flower Anklet (Kupe’e)
A creative option to the neck or wrist lei is an ankle bracelet, (called kupe’e) of flowers or greenery. This was also popularized by Tahitian dancers to call attention to their feet movement.
Kupe’es balance an outfit especially if you’re already rocking a lei. Go big and authentic by wearing one on each foot.
5. Hip Garland (Hei)
A hei, or a hip lei of sorts, is most popularly worn by hula dancers to show off their shakes and rolls during their dances.
Usually, a hei is a woven belt of leaves or greenery, but you’ll often see feathers or tropical flowers woven into the strands too.
6. Tucked Behind Your Ear
Want something more subtle than a head full of flowers? Take a single stunning blossom and tuck it behind your ear for a chic and elegant look that makes you look like you just walked off the beach.
Just like a ring worn on the left hand signifies the woman is off the market, a flower tucked behind a lady’s left ear means the same thing. If you’re single and ready to mingle, be sure to wear it behind your right ear.
7. Hair Pick
A Hawaiian hair pick is a stunning adornment worn in the hair of Tahitian women everywhere. Think of it as a mini bouquet. It’s often used to hold back hair, or to elegantly emphasize a bun or braid.
Take advantage of the exotic colors and styles of orchids for this one. You’ll be a show stopper, for sure.
We love using fresh flowers for our hair picks because of their incredible, tropical scent that lasts up to a few days. There’s nothing quite like wearing real flowers.
Pick the Perfect Flowers
Now that you know all about the flowers of Hawaii and how to wear them, the only thing left to do is purchase some!
At With Our Aloha, we’ve got everything you need to deliver Hawaii to you!
If you’re throwing a luau you can’t skimp out on decorating with fresh flowers and bringing the island into your home. Our plumerias also look stunning popped in a tropical drink.
From our delicate and tropical arrangements to our brightly colored leis, you and your guest will fall in love with your little taste of paradise.
Don’t forget to check out our flower of the month club for a tropical escape every month!
10 Stunning Ideas for Real Estate Agent Closing Gifts
10 Stunning Ideas for Real Estate Agent Closing Gifts
Closing gifts are an amazing finishing touch to your real estate customer service. Here are ten incredible ideas that’ll make your buyers super satisfied.
As a real estate agent, excellent customer service is the key to success. Buying a home is a major milestone for anyone. People want to work with someone they feel a personal connection to, and someone who they think has their best interest at heart.
Real estate is also a business that relies heavily on word of mouth marketing. If you leave your customers satisfied, they’ll be more likely to recommend your services to friends and family members who are also looking to buy a house.
Closing gifts may seem like a small gesture, but in fact, they can go a long way. If you can establish a reputation for giving great real estate agent gifts, you may find that your client list–and your commission–grows.
You want your gifts to be memorable, but appropriate and not too personal. Below, we’re sharing 10 corporate gift ideas that strike the right balance. Read on!
1. Framed Blueprints
Many homeowners, especially first-time buyers, are looking for a home with history and character. Even those who are looking for a new build want to feel like they are contributing to the history of a home.
If you can manage to find original blueprints of the house, you should consider framing them as your closing gift to your buyers. It makes for interesting and unique artwork, but it also shows your buyers that you value the things that are most important to them.
If you can’t find blueprints, you could consider framing a professional photograph of the house for a similar impact.
2. Restaurant Gift Certificate
The first thing homebuyers want to do when they move into a new neighborhood is explore the local restaurant and bar scene. They want to start trying places so that they can find their local favorites and go-to spots.
You can help them get started with a gift certificate to a local restaurant. Pick a place that you know is popular or have gotten good reviews. After the hard work of moving into their new space, they’ll be glad to have an excuse to go out for the night.
3. A Flower Assortment
One of the best corporate gift ideas for new homebuyers is a beautiful, artistic flower assortment. This is an especially good closing gift for couples who are buying a home together. It seems simple, but it sends a big message.
A flower assortment can be a symbol of all the memories that will be made in that house. People buy flowers for reasons of celebration or commemoration. Spouses buy them for each other, and children pick them for their parents.
4. Cocktail Kit
A cocktail kit is a great gift for clients who love to have guests over and are always looking for new entertaining tips. There is something impressive and special about having a cocktail ready for guests when they walk through the door.
Most cocktail kits come with all the ingredients necessary to make a killer drink. You can make the gift feel even more complete by including a cocktail shaker as part of the package.
5. A Unique Gift Basket
If you aren’t exactly sure what to give as a closing gift, a gift basket is the way to go. You can curate a gift basket that includes several different kinds of items, which makes it more likely you’ll include something your clients will love.
If you start with a standout item like a Hawaiian gift basket, you can supplement it with other items that align with that theme. Small food items like nuts or fruit are always a good bet, as is a nice bottle of wine.
6. Tea Towels
Tea towels for the kitchen make a great gift because you can never have too many of them. They have so many uses, and if your clients are home cooks, it’s likely they go through tea towels quickly.
Look for tea towels in a color palate that match the design of the house’s kitchen or that incorporate a unique design. In order to elevate the gift, you want to find tea towels that are meant to be displayed as much as they are meant to be used.
7. A Gift Certificate to a Local Nursery
Being able to plant and curate your own greenery is one of the benefits of homeownership that all buyers look forward to. There’s something special about being able to plant an herb garden or a flower garden or trees in the backyard.
A gift certificate to a local plant nursery will let your clients browse greenery, talk to the experts, and pick something that will work best for their space.
8. New Pet Tags
If your clients are pet owners, they’ll want to have identification tags for their furry friends with their new address. Having these tags made for them as a closing gift shows that you’re invested in their experience even after their work with you is complete.
With this gift, you are recognizing that there’s a whole life that will be lived in the house. It also shows that you’ve gotten to know them through the buying process, and have paid attention to the things that are important to them.
9. Champagne and Champagne Glasses
Nothing says celebration quite like champagne. A nice bottle and glasses to go with is one of the more thoughtful corporate gift ideas. The bottle is something they can enjoy right away, and the glasses are a keepsake that they can use again and again.
10. A Set of Tools
When you’re considering different options for real estate agent gifts, sometimes it’s best to go practical. A set of tools may seem like a boring gift, but it will come in handy more often than your clients may even realize.
As owners, they’ll be responsible for home improvements themselves. Having a good set of tools can make the handy work easier.
Ready to Buy Closing Gifts?
Even simple closing gifts can go a long way in establishing a strong and lasting relationship between you and your buyers. That, in turn, could lead to more business.
For more gift ideas, please feel free to contact us at any time.
Lei Flowers: What Is Used to Create a Traditional Hawaiian Lei
Lei Flowers: What Is Used to Create a Traditional Hawaiian Lei
Were you one of the 9.3 million people who visited the Aloha State in 2017?
If so, you were likely greeted with a beautiful necklace of lei flowers. The lei dates back thousands of years to the goddess Kuku’ena, who–according to legend–brought seeds to the islands for lei making and traditional medicine.
Regardless of how leis got started, one thing is for sure: they remain an integral part of Hawaiian culture.
Have you ever wonder what kinds of flowers are used in leis? Are there different types of leis for different occasions?
In this post, we’ll reveal some common lei flowers and interesting facts about the traditional Hawaiian lei.
Popular Lei Flowers
Let’s start with a rundown of eight of the most popular flowers used in lei making.
1. Okika (Orchid)
Thanks to their beauty and sturdiness, the orchid is one of the most common flowers used in leis. You’ve probably seen them in white or purple, but they also come in shades of pink, yellow, and green.
The most popular type of orchid is the dendrobium variety. It’s been used in lei making for over 200 years and comes in an impressive 1,200 species.
2. Pikake (Arabian Jasmine)
Pikake is the Hawaiian name for Jasmine and translates to “peacock.” The white blossom was originally brought to the Hawaiian islands by Chinese immigrants.
Its scent is mild and bright, making it one of the most popular choices for flower leis. The pikake is commonly seen in wedding leis and leis for other special occasions.
3. Melia (Plumeria)
Melia, also known as plumeria or frangipani, commonly comes from the island of Kauai. The five-petal starlike blossom was first introduced to Hawaii back in the 1800s and is now grown commercially for leis.
Plumeria comes in a spectacular array of colors, including white, pink, yellow, and red. Its scent is fragrant, sweet, and delightful. In addition to a lei, many visitors to Hawaii enjoy wearing a blossom behind their ear.
A word of caution–be careful if you see plumeria growing in the wild. The tree contains a milky sap that’s poisonous to humans, so it’s best to keep your distance.
4. Tuberose
A tuberose lei is made from the night-blooming tuberose plant. The flowers grow on elongated stalks up to 18 inches long that make them perfect for leis or bouquets.
The scent of the tuberose is unmistakable. It’s considered one of the most fragrant flowers in the world and produces a rich, sultry scent.
The most common variety is white or cream-colored, although they sometimes appear light pink or purple too.
5. Pua Male
Pua male, also called stephanotis, is often referred to as Hawaii’s wedding flower. In fact, “pua male” translates to “marry flower.”
Originally from the island of Madagascar, this variety of jasmine was introduced to Hawaii hundreds of years ago. Loved for its waxy, delicate white blooms and seductive fragrance, it quickly became the flower of choice for Hawaiian weddings.
Interestingly, pua male grows on a woody vine that can be used as a base for the lei. It’s notoriously temperamental and hard to grow, making it even more valuable to the wearer.
6. Ti Leaf
Feeling lucky? A ti leaf lei is believed to bring good luck to the wearer, making it a popular choice for graduations and other major life events.
Don’t let the name fool you–the ti leaf plant has nothing to do with tea. It’s actually in the same group as asparagus, yucca, and agave. The leaves are traditionally green, although there are also red, orange, and yellow varieties.
A tea leaf lei is made by braiding together the leaves of the plant. Blossoms of different flowers can also be woven in to add some color.
7. Ginger
Another beloved flower for Hawaiian leis is made from Malaysian or Micronesian ginger. Its strong, seductive fragrance makes it a popular choice for women.
Ginger leis are commonly given for anniversaries, birthdays, and major life events, such as retirement.
A ginger lei can be worn with the flowers either flat or feathered. For a pop of color, it’s also possible to weave more colorful species in with the ginger flowers.
8. Ponimo’i
With its Mediterranean origin, you may not immediately think of ponimo’i, or carnations, as a popular choice for lei flowers.
The red or white flowers were first brought to the Hawaiian islands by Protestant missionaries in the 1800s. Women traditionally wear white, while men wear the red variety.
The carnation experienced a surge in popularity in the late 1800s, as it was the favorite flower of King Kalakaua.
Popular Types of Leis
Now that you know the most common types of flowers in leis, let’s take a quick look at the most popular styles.
1. Traditional Lei
A traditional lei is worn around the neck, but here’s an expert tip: Don’t wear it like a necklace!
If you want to rock your lei like a local, position it so it’s draped evenly across your shoulders. Equal parts of the length should hang across your front and your back.
2. Head Lei
A head lei, also known as a haku lei, is a crown or headdress made of flowers.
Although not strictly traditional, it’s experienced a surge in popularity in recent years. Head leis are ideal for wedding ceremonies, luau parties, and other festive occasions.
3. Corsage/Bracelet
If a neck lei or head lei seems too over-the-top for you, why not consider a tasteful flower bracelet or corsage?
This discreet style is the perfect way to ease into the Aloha spirit.
Final Thoughts on Hawaiian Leis
Whether it’s orchids, jasmine, or plumeria, lei flowers are always a fragrant and delightful sight.
The good news is you don’t have to wait until your next trip to Hawaii to experience them. You can order beautiful, fresh flower leis and have them shipped right to your home.
Interested in learning more about flowers, leis, and Hawaiian culture? Be sure to check out our latest blog posts.
3 Surprising Ways the Kilauea Eruption Affected Hawaii Flower Farms
3 Surprising Ways the Kilauea Eruption Affected Hawaii Flower Farms
3 Surprising Ways the Kilauea Eruption Affected Hawaii Flower Farms
The Kilauea Eruption impacted Hawaii flower farms in many ways. Read this article to learn some of the more surprising impacts and to know about one farm that is still fine able to ship to the mainland US.
When the Kilauea eruption started at the beginning of May, it set off a chain of events that were absolutely devastating for the island. Not only were residences affected, but also many businesses, including the entire Hawaii flower industry.
Even though Hawaii ranks number forty in terms of population, it accounts for over 4% of the entire US flower industry. Given the scope of this eruption, it’s not hard to imagine the problems it has created.
To fully understand what’s occurred on the island, we want to dig into this issue by taking a close look at three surprising ways the Kilauea eruption has directly impacted island flower farms.
1. There’s a Shortage of Island Flowers
Because the eruption was incredibly powerful, the destruction of flowers isn’t all that surprising. What is surprising is the full magnitude of this destruction.
The scope of what the lava has done means it will still take more time to fully assess the damage across the entire island. But based on estimates by industry experts, it’s likely that half of Hawaii’s cut flowers are gone.
Part of what makes this so shocking is just how quickly it happened. When one orchid farm evacuated on June 1st, their surroundings looked sunny and beautiful.
Following that evacuation, it took less than 24 hours for over a quarter of the nursery to be destroyed. Fast forward just 48 more hours, and the entire 12-acre nursery was wrecked by the lava flow.
What makes this situation even more challenging is island flowers aren’t something that can quickly be regenerated by investing money. Instead, it takes a lot of time and care for wiped out flowers to return.
Using an example like orchids, the minimum amount of time to get fully back up with production is three years. That’s assuming all conditions remain optimal. A single factor going wrong could easily add another year of waiting.
2. Prices Have Gone Up
Although many flower farms around the island were completely wiped out, just as many people still want all the beautiful flowers that Hawaii has to offer.
In fact, all the media attention around the eruption has led to even more interest from the continental US in getting these flowers. Many people view this type of purchase as a way to support the Hawaiian economy.
While all forms of financial support are appreciated, the combination of decreased supply and increased demand has caused prices to rise. What’s interesting is this increase hasn’t only affected flowers sent to the mainland.
Throughout the island, flowers sought for local events like graduations and other ceremonies have gone up somewhat. And in some instances, locals and shippers to the mainland have extended their search for specific flowers outside the island of Hawaii.
The increase in both demand and prices for island flowers stands in contrast to many other businesses on the island. Most businesses associated with tourism have seen a quick decrease.
Just how hard have businesses like tour operators and hotels been hit? Most estimates show that the summer’s eruption cut typical tourism numbers in half. This tourism slump was made even worse by concerns about Hurricane Hector.
3. Farms are Getting Help from the Community
Despite mandatory evacuations, some of the most talked about videos and photos from the eruption are from Hawaiians who were incredibly close to the lava.
Given this commitment to the local area, the third impact likely comes as surprise to outsiders despite being expected by those who call the island home.
This impact is the support of the community towards farms that were ravaged by the eruption. Even though countless people lost their homes throughout this ordeal, they’ve been more than willing to lend a helping hand.
One example of this is a local organization bringing together dozens of farmers for an emergency resource meeting. By including other members of the community, the meeting was able to focus on how to move forward in the face of adversity.
This type of community support has been especially critical in rural areas. Working together to manage supplies and other vital resources has helped lift everyone. This is a trend that should continue as owners and employees work to rebuild.
A Hawaii Flower Company That Ships to the Continental US
Although the effects of this eruption on flower farms and the entire region were devastating, Hawaiians are not known for giving up. In the face of this disaster, the entire community has shown its strength and resilience.
With Our Aloha is a company that perfectly embodies the Hawaiian spirit. Even though the eruption created all kinds of challenges for the flower farming community as a whole, our company has worked nonstop to overcome them. This includes looking for the best available flowers and sourcing from other islands.
Because we’ve been in business since 2000, we know exactly what needs to be done in these types of situations. We are fully committed to providing every customer with a delightful experience, and that’s exactly what we continue to do.
Whether you’re ordering flowers for a holiday or fresh leis for a special event, you can count on us to get them to you. The same is true for the different monthly subscriptions we offer.
Not only can you count on With Our Aloha to deliver the best island flowers in a timely manner, but you can also depend on us to continue providing very attractive pricing.
We’re proud of our nearly two decades in business and look forward to many more as a Hawaii flower leader. If you need any assistance with your order, you can easily contact us online or by calling (808) 934-7295.
Top 10 Hawaiian Foods to Have at Your Hawaiian Themed Party
Top 6 Hawaiian Foods to Have at Your Hawaiian Themed Party
Hawaiian food is unlike any other food in the world. If you’re throwing a Hawaiian themed party, having the best Hawaiian foods is a must. Here are the top ten you need to prepare for your guests.
Have you visited Hawaii recently and come back to the states craving poke bowls and kalua pork? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of visiting the islands, and want to host a party to bring that dream home.
Whether you’ve had these staple Hawaiian foods already or not, you’re going to need them at your Hawaiian themed party to make it feel authentic. Food is a massive part of Hawaiian culture, with lots of different tastes and flavors. That means there’ll be plenty of mouthwatering options for all of your guests’ tastes.
Keep reading for the top six most important Hawaiian foods you need to have at your next party!
Poke Bowls
You’ve probably seen this trendy food item in the states, but did you know it originates in Hawaii?
Poke bowls (pronounced poh-keh) feature super fresh fish cut up into one-inch squares, marinated in sauce and placed atop a bowl of sushi rice. Also included are fresh veggies like seaweed, avocado, and scallions.
You’re probably used to dousing yours with spicy mayo and soy sauce (who can blame you?), but the traditional Hawaiian setup is a little different. The poke is seasoned with Hawaiian sea salt (pa’akai) and combined with seaweed and candlenuts (inamona) in the bowl with rice.
While most poke shops will offer Americanized toppings like teriyaki and spicy mayo, they’ll also feature this traditional setup. If you want the real taste of the islands at your party, stick to tradition– it’ll bring out the fresh flavor of the fish superbly!
Spam Musubi
What’s the deal with Spam and Hawaii?
Here’s the history: after WWII, Hawaii still had a big military presence. We’re talking big. Like, big enough that it was difficult to feed them all.
Enter: SPAM. It was easy to transport to the island, and provided enough meat for all the military men who were seriously lacking in protein. Eventually, so much SPAM was shipped in that it ended up being sold at local supermarkets.
Fast forward to today, and SPAM is considered an essential part of Hawaii’s culinary history. It’s not looked down on as a lesser-than meat like it is on the mainland. In Hawaii, it’s a staple.
Since there were so many Japanese migrant workers after WWII, it’s only natural that they’d influence the cuisine. Spam Musabi is the tasty fusion of Japanese sushi and Hawaii’s love for SPAM.
It’s essentially fried spam atop a square of sushi rice, wrapped together by nori, sashimi-style. Your guests will love it. Pro tip: make sure you cook the SPAM first– SPAM straight from the can is the ultimate no-no in Hawaiian culture.
Poi
Yes, it sounds like the name of one of Peter Pan’s lost boys. Yes, it’s just as magical.
Poi is a thick, sticky paste made from the root of the taro plant, an ancient and seriously revered vegetable in Hawaiian culture. The leaves can be eaten, too (see laulau below). Poi uses just the root.
Traditionally, the taro root is cooked and then pounded with a big, stone pestle on a wooden surface. Water is slowly added to create a thick paste.
It’s simple to make, but is a hot commodity in Hawaii since there are frequent taro shortages.
Fresh taro can be hard to find stateside, but you can get a powder to create poi at home for your party. Serve it as a side, or as an option for any little ones that will be in attendance!
Laulau
Laulau is the main use for the leaves of the taro plant. First, a fatty piece of meat or fish is heavily salted, and then wrapped with the leaves.
Traditionally, the wraps were then placed into underground ovens called “imus” to slowly cook for hours. Today, though, they’re simply tied with some string and steamed.
Laulau is usually served with a side of lomi salmon, another traditional Hawaiian dish, and a big scoop of rice. Taro leaves can be hard to find stateside, but you might have luck at your local Asian or farmer’s market. If not, you can always order frozen lau lau online and reheat for the party!
Lomi Salmon
Lomi salmon: part poke, part salsa.
Lomi salmon doesn’t actually originate in Hawaii, but was brought to the island from other Pacific Islander migrants. Despite this, it’s become a Hawaiian staple.
It’s made by mixing diced tomatoes, chili peppers, and onions with raw salmon that’s been cured with salt for a few hours. It’s essentially a simple, fresh salsa with salmon mixed in to create a salty topping for any dish.
Locals love it atop poi, or on any fatty meats that need some brightening up!
Kalua Pork
If you’re a BBQ pulled pork lover, kalua pork is for you. It’s essentially the best pulled pork you’ll ever have– so good you won’t even need the BBQ sauce. You can find it on almost every lunch and dinner menu on the island, as well as on all the luau menus.
It’s a labor of love, for sure– a full pig is cooked in an imu (an underground oven, remember?) for hours, giving it a super unique, earthy, and smoky flavor that other pulled pork just can’t replicate. The long cooking time and lack of oxygen during cooking keeps the pork incredibly moist, too.
You probably don’t have an imu, but you can roast a whole pig on a spit at home, luau style. If you’re hosting a daytime party, pair it with pasta salad, cabbage, and sticky rice for a traditional Hawaiian plate lunch offering. For dinner, top it with lomi salmon and serve with rice and a side of poi.
Pro tip: this is an especially popular dish at weddings because it feeds so many!
Leis and Hawaiian Foods
Now that you’ve read up on all the most important Hawaiian foods to include at the party, you need to plan your florals! There’s nothing more Hawaiian than a lei.
If you’re having a graduation party, it’s tradition to place a lei around your grad’s neck. Even if no one’s graduating, your guests will love wearing the fresh flower necklace!
Questions? Get in touch to talk all things Hawaii!
How to Get an Orchid to Rebloom
How to Get an Orchid to Rebloom
Your orchid may look like it’s dead, but it may just be dormant. Learning how to get an orchid to rebloom is the key to having gorgeous flowers year-round. This guide will teach you everything you need to know.
Do you love to decorate your house with live plants? If you have a green thumb, you might find yourself tired of easy-to-care-for plants and interested in caring for something a little trickier.
Orchids will bring a sense of uniqueness and sophistication to your decor. There are many meanings behind the orchid flower, making it a special addition to your home. With over 25,000 different species of orchids to choose from, you’re sure to find one that matches your home.
However, they can be a very finicky flower to care for, and you might have trouble figuring out how to get an orchid to rebloom. Despite this fact, tons of people take on the challenge of caring for orchids every day.
Are you interested in adding an orchid in your life? Keep reading to learn how to get an orchid to rebloom every year.
Opt for Cooler Temperatures
While many houseplants may enjoy the warmth, cooler temperatures might actually be the key to getting your orchid to rebloom.
Orchids are tropical flowers and usually love warm weather. The best method to help your orchid rebloom is to keep it in a warm environment during the day. At night, move it to a cooler location.
Ideally, the orchid should be kept about 10 degrees cooler at nighttime – or around 55 to 65 degrees. You should continue this routine until you notice a new flower spike appear.
Have you been trying to get your orchard to rebloom and found yourself asking the question “how often do orchids bloom?” If so, we have the answer for you.
Orchids flowers rebloom once a year. While most flowers bloom in spring or summer, many orchids actually bloom in the autumn.
During autumn, the nights get colder. Because of this, keeping your orchid in cooler temperatures at night may help it rebloom by helping it notice that it’s autumn.
Use Ice Cubes as Water
Watering your orchid can be the hardest part of caring for them. If you water them too much, their buds might fall off before they bloom. Continuing to overwater the plant could lead to it dying.
Underwatering can have a similar outcome. If the leaves don’t receive enough water, they’ll suck water away from the buds in order to save themselves. If underwatering continues, your orchid may die.
So how can you tell if you’re watering it the right amount?
Well, your orchid should be able to dry out in-between waterings. If you notice the soil is still damp, hold off watering it until the soil is dry to the touch. If you start to notice your orchid flower buds start to turn yellow or shrivel, that’s a tell-tale sign that they are dehydrated and the plant needs more water.
One good trick is to use ice cubes instead of regular water. About 3 ice cubes should be enough to adequately water your orchid. Plus, the cold water will help chill your plant at night.
Use the Right Fertilizer
Choosing the right fertilizer can be an important step to learning how to care for orchids.
Orchids typically don’t need a lot of nutrients to survive. However, in order to get your orchid to rebloom, you might need to include some fertilizer in their pot.
Urea-free fertilizer is the best type to use as it provides nitrogen for your orchid to feed on. However, remember that orchids do not react well to salt, so always avoid fertilizers that contain this harmful ingredient.
Find the Right Lighting
Lighting is key for any plant to survive and bloom. In fact, bad lighting is the top reason why orchids won’t rebloom.
Now, you might hear this and be tempted to place your orchid in direct sunlight to assist in the blooming process. However, direct sunlight can be detrimental to an orchid flower. Too much direct sunlight may cause their delicate petals to burn. Instead, you should keep them in indirect sunlight.
Also, be aware of the damages artificial light can have on an orchid flower as well. Remember when we said that orchid flowers bloom in autumn? Well, in addition to cooler nights, autumn also has shorter days where orchids would have less access to sunlight in nature.
For the reason, keeping your orchid in artificial light 24/7 may prevent it from reblooming. By setting artificial lights to a timer (or by simply turning them off when it’s dark outside), your orchid may notice that the days are shorter and take it as a cue to start blooming again.
This coupled with moving the orchid to a cooler environment at night will help your orchid believe it’s autumn and time to rebloom.
Re-pot Early
Re-potting your orchid can be a difficult process. When your orchid medium begins to break down, your plant’s ventilation may suffer. This can cause a lack of reblooming, so repotting your plant may be necessary for proper orchid care.
However, even if your orchid does need to be repotted, this may not fix the problem right away. Some orchids find repotting to be a traumatizing event and will not rebloom for 6 months to a year. Because of this, you should be sure to re-pot early enough to give your orchid time to settle before blooming season.
To help tell when it’s time to repot, you can look at the roots. If they appear brown or you can see some roots sneaking over the edge of the pot, it’s probably time to re-pot your orchid.
When re-potting, remember to keep your orchid flower in a small pot. They actually thrive on having crowed roots. Also, be sure to cut off any dead roots before placing the flower in its new pot.
How to Get an Orchid to Rebloom
Orchid flowers can be very tricky to work with. They need just the right care in order to thrive and rebloom year after year. If you are new to orchid care, you might wonder how to get an orchid to rebloom.
By monitoring your orchid’s fertilizer, temperature, water intake, sunlight exposure, and re-potting process, you can successfully help your beautiful orchid rebloom again.
Did you enjoy this post? Check out our blog for more great articles like this.
Hawaiian Lei Day
Hawaiian Lei Day
“May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii.” This phrase is incredibly popular in Hawaii as it is used as a reminder for Lei Day, a state holiday that the island nation of Hawaii celebrates every year on May 1st, instead of celebrating May Day.
Lei Day celebrates Hawaii’s famous fresh flower leis that are used to mark all sorts of celebrations, from school graduations to weddings, and were traditionally used as a sign of peace between tribes.
Lei Day starts on the morning on May 1st and continues throughout the day and into the next day as well; it is one of Hawaii’s most celebrated and popular annual holidays.
How did Lei Day originate?
Lei Day can be traced back to the late 1920s when Don Blanding, a poet and writer, wrote an article for a local newspaper that suggested there should be a day that allows Hawaiians to celebrate the leis that they are famous for. The idea was that the holiday should celebrate the custom of making and wearing a lei to celebrate all sorts of different occasions.
Although Don Blanding came up with the idea of celebrating the lei, it was Grace Tower Warren, another writer, who suggested that the holiday should coincide with May Day. She is also the one who came up with the famous phrase “May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii”, that is still used today.
The first Lei Day was held on May 1st in 1928 in Honolulu, with everyone encouraged to wear leis and take part in the celebrations. In downtown Honolulu, celebrations were held with leis and flowers covering every surface, from felt hats to cars. It was said that the celebrations captured the old spirit of Hawaii – a love of flowers, bright colors, and laughter. The year later, Lei Day was made an official holiday and has been celebrated every year since, with the exception of the years during the Second World War.
How is Lei Day celebrated?
Today, Lei Day is celebrated across Hawaii with the largest Lei Day event being held in Oahu. The celebrations take place in Queen Kapiolani Park in Waikiki, featuring lots of live music, hula dancing, lei making, demonstrations, delicious foods, crafts, and much more. A lei making queen is also crowned to watch over the celebrations.
Across Hawaii, other smaller celebrations are also held, such as in different towns and villages, as well as in schools. These celebrations are similar to the ones held in Oahu but smaller, they still incorporate lei making, music, dancing, food, the crowning of a lei queen and sometimes a lei king as well.
What are the different types of leis?
There are lots of different leis as each of the major Hawaiian islands has its own distinct lei. A lot of people in Hawaii don’t like to say “I love you,” so instead they give a lei to their loved ones, conveying their feelings.
In the main island of Hawaii, a lehua lei is given. This lei is made of the blossoms from a lehua tree, and are normally red, and sometimes yellow, orange or white.
The people of Kauai give a mokihana lei, which is a lei made of purplish berries that are native to the island. These berries are strong and woven with maile, they have a strong smell and stay fresh for longer than more other berries.
In Kaho’olawe, hinahina leis are given. These beautiful leis are made of the hinahina stems and flowers that are silver gray in color and found on the island’s beaches.
The people of Lanai make and give kaunaoa leis. These leis are made from orange-colored strands that are woven together to create bright, beautiful leis.
In Maui, leis are made from the lokelani, a pink rose known as the ‘rose of heaven.’ It has a sweet floral smell and is incredibly delicate.
Those are just a few of the leis that the Hawaiian islands are famous for, there are also many others, including some made from fruit, nuts, and vine, as well as fresh flowers, most often loose orchid blooms.
What are the lei giving etiquettes and customs?
In Hawaii, being given a lei as a gift is seen as a great honor, so if you are given one, you must not take it off in the presence of the person who gave it to you, or it’s considered rude. It’s important to thank the person that gave you the lei and show gratitude for it.
Traditionally, the chiefs of tribes on the Hawaiian islands would give leis as a sign of peace and respect to other tribal chiefs. Which is why they are still given to visitors today, as well as being used to mark celebrations like weddings and births.
The Joy of Sending Hawaiian Flowers
Sending Hawaiian Flowers
There is no feeling in the world like being at work and having a delivery of fresh flowers. If you’re going through a rough time, or it was just a thinking-of-you gesture, it makes no difference. Whatever the occasion, a nice arrangement of tropical buds can lift your spirits.
Being male or female doesn’t matter; flowers bring color and life to a room. They don’t have to be for a special occasion; however, people feel special when they get a unique floral arrangement. A bouquet is great for a birthday, anniversary or any other special occasion.
Not only does the recipient feel surprised when flowers arrive, but the enthusiasm often is contagious! Just watch the next time someone in your office gets a bouquet of flowers. People around the room get caught up in the kind gesture. Usually, everyone wants to gather around the lucky person to admire the lovely arrangement of fresh blossoms. Of course, most are eager for the recipient to open the card to see who sent them. Arranging the flowers in a favorite vase makes the experience even more fun.
Sending Hawaiian flowers need not be a stressful process. Just select your favorite assortment. Everything will be carefully wrapped. The package will travel by FedEx and arrive within one or two days. And Hawaiian flowers are more durable than other flowers.
Tropical flowers have the ability to make us feel truly warm inside. We marvel at their long-lasting beauty and how they bring a bright happiness to any place. We feel complimented, appreciated and loved at the sight of a beautiful bouquet. It is a feeling that lasts long after the blooms are gone. Contact us today to choose your perfect floral gift for your loved one. You can make someone’s day and improve the atmosphere by selecting a colorful spray.
A Destination Wedding is Better With Options
When most people hear the words “Destination Wedding in Hawaii,” the natural reaction is excitement. Who doesn’t want to go to Hawaii? For the couple getting married, stress follows excitement when they realize how much they need to accomplish from a distance.
Luckily, Hawaii hosts a lot of destination weddings, which means there are resources available to manage everything you need from wherever you call home. Many companies will plan and do everything for you, for the right price. While that may sound tempting and perhaps even ideal, remember that such a plan means that someone else is making a lot of the decisions about your wedding. While they may allow you to choose from various options, keep in mind that they have chosen the options from which you get to choose.
There are also companies that will provide just the level of support you desire. This type of company allows you to retain control over those elements that are most important to you, while allowing them to take care of things such as your Right-of-Entry Permit that will make it legal for you to get married on a beach. While each person will have different things that matter most to them, most people tend to care about location, their flowers, and the gifts they provide to members of the wedding and their guests. When it comes to those items, most people want more than a couple of choices. They also want everything to feel distinctly Hawaiian.
That’s where we come in. When you’re ready to choose your beautiful and distinctive leis and corsages, our selection will allow you to express yourself in the most Hawaiian of ways. What’s more, you can continue to express yourself, and provide a lasting memory, by selecting gifts for your wedding party that will remind them of your wedding in paradise for years to come.
If you’re ready to add the right touches to your Hawaiian wedding, contact us.
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The Many Meanings of Orchids
The orchid is traditionally a symbol of beauty and love, strength, luxury, fertility, and power. And it is no wonder, with its long stem and exotic brightly colored bloom. The orchid is easily distinguishable and indefinitely elegant—always a well-received gift.
The orchid was not always simply a gift to be given or even purely decorative though. In fact, it has had many uses beyond the ornamental throughout history. In China, the orchid has been used medicinally for centuries, specifically to treat lung and stomach cancers. In ancient Greece and Aztec cultures, the orchid was considered to give strength and the vanilla flavor would be extracted and then ingested in order to gain strength. Yet, in American society, the flower is generally a gift of thought whether for thankfulness, sympathy, or congratulations.
Hawaiian orchids are especially bright and cheerful while still portraying the same elegance and luxury as any other orchid. As with many other flowers, the varying colors of the orchid each hold a specific underlying meaning. Color should be considered before giving an orchid.
Red is a passionate color, usually reserved for romantic love. Pink is also a romantic color, or a color of friendship. Dark red is a color of leadership and courage. Orange generates enthusiasm, creativity, and success. Yellow is a color of joy and energy. Green radiates growth, stability, and healing. Blue is for loyalty, wisdom, and tranquility. Purple is a color used for wisdom, dignity, and mystery. White is a color of purity, and brown is a color of stability and clear thinking.
Contact us for information on the types of Hawaiian orchids that we provide and let us help you decide what would be best for you.
Orchids
Blooming Orchids
Orchids of the Month
Hawaiian Weddings
Hawaiian Flower Leis
Orchid Corsages & Boutonnieres
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