Lei Day Press Release
Learn about Hawai‘iʻs iconic symbol, the lei, at the 11th Annual Hilo Lei Day Festival on Friday, May 1. The event opens at 10:00 am on the front steps of the Hawai’i Museum of Contemporary Arts, home of the East Hawai’i Cultural Council. The day activities pau at 3:00pm, and the festivities resume at 5:30 in the evening with the opening reception of the Hilo Lei Day Festival “He Mo‘olelo ko ka Lei” art show. This yearʻs theme is “Ua Mālamalama,” and features the sculptural lighting of Leilehua Yuen and Manu Josiah.
Opening ceremonies begin in the morning with Hawaiian chant, greetings and hula by the festivalʻs Lei Day Queen, Her Floral Majesty Kahōkūkauahiahionālani Fo, accompanied by her Lady in Waiting Thaliana Aipolani, Mayor Billy Kenoiʻs Lei Day and May the Month of the Lei Proclamation read by Char Shigemura, a special presentation of Hula Ki`i—Hawaiian puppetry, and Hawaiian music and hula by ‘Iwalani “Aunty Bea” Masoe and her ‘ohana.
Hiloʻs own Lei Aloha Nui, a huge colorful lei made by community members under the direction of Sue Champeny, an artist known nationwide for her art in public places and community art projects, will grace the façade of the museum. Sue also will be teaching lei making using recycled materials. Chris Benders will teach lei making with silk flowers, and Aunty Joan Wheeler and friends will demonstrate their ribbon and yarn lei. The Masoe ‘ohana will share their lei making talents, teaching festival attendees how to make the lovely garlands for themselves.
This yearʻs featured lei maker is Randy Lee, who will demonstrate his artistry in traditional Hawaiian lei.
From Brazil, special guest artist aerial silks dancer Barbara Sampaio, will perform at various times throughout the day.
Also performing will be Colleen Daly Block, Leilehua Yuen, and the Maile Sisters.
Throughout the day, the museum will be open for sneak-previewing of this yearʻs “He Mo‘olelo ko ka Lei—A Story of the Lei” art show. This 5th show in the series is titled “Ua Mālamalama,” and explores the role of light and enlightenment in the history, heritage, and culture of the lei. Museum doors close at 3:00 pm and reopen at 5:30 for the showʻs reception.
The Hilo Lei Day Festival is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by the East Hawai‘i Cultural Council, KaaheleHawaii.com, LeiManu Designs, KauKauKitchen.com, Ke Ola Magazine, Remeyʻs (which will provide ono snacks for sale), and Berkey Water Filters (which will be giving out samples of filtered water).
For more information, call 895-0850
Following is our fundraising video for the 2015 Hilo Lei Day Festival and art show.