Lei are as diverse as their wearers and makers, and this diversity only adds to the beauty and excitement of this traditional adornment. Hawaiian lei makers are innovative, and constantly creating new styles as fashion and taste change with the times. But it is important to remember the old styles which provide the foundation of the art form, and the words that describe them. Today, it is common to use to term “haku,” to describe everything from a lei po`o to a lei pāpale, to a lei wili. When the language loses the specific terms, we lose more than one word. We lose the ability to speak – and think – in the detail we once had.
Leilehua Yuen has spent years collecting terms pertaining to the art of the lei, and compiled them in this handy glossary. It is offered at only 99 cents to be sure that anyone can afford it. All income generated from sales of the glossary supports the Hilo Lei Day Festival.