Lei Hili Kupukupu

Lei Hili


The lei hili is one of the most simple lei to make. It is a 3-ply braid in which the material you are braiding is the decorative material of the lei. Common materials for making the lei hiki are kupukupu, palapalai, ʻumiʻumi-o-Dole, kaunaʻoa, and any other long flexible material.

Kupukupu, fern with undivided fronds, are easily plaited into lei hili.
Kupukupu, fern with undivided fronds, are easily plaited into lei hili. Image, Leilehua Yuen
Lei Kupukupu, Lei Hili
Piʻikea wearing her lei poʻo kupukupu in the hili style. 2007 Image: Leilehua Yuen
Hāpuʻu woven into lei hili.
Hāpuʻu (Cibotium splendens) woven into large lei hili which are suitable for decorations such as swags on stages, doors, and in pageantry. Image: Leilehua Yuen
Kaunaʻoa pehu
Lei kaunaʻoa pehu (Cassytha filiformis) woven in hili style. Image: Leilehua Yuen

In the video below, Kumu Leilehua uses the lei hili technique to haku a kaula (rope) for the Hilo Lei Day Festival stanchions. These will be used to cordon various areas so we can maintain appropriate distancing.

The same technique also is great for making holiday garlands, decorations for weddings, etc. Just select different kinds of foliage, such as ferns, ʻumiʻumi-o-Dole (Spanish moss), and even orchids or other flowers to add variety and beauty!

If you are interested in helping to make these and other crafts needed for the festival, please contact us at Info(at)LeiDay(dot)org.