Lei Hilo

The lei hilo is, essentially, a rope. Legendarily, the town of Hilo takes its name from this rope of two-ply twisted lāʻī, tī leaf.

The lāʻī lei hilo has become popular as a stand-in for lei maile, due to the degradation of maile habitat. Talented lei makers are able to craft lei hilo that are visually quite similar to maile, and even incorporate materials such as lauaʻe to give a similar fragrance.

The ʻiwi (center rib) of the lāʻī is removed.

The leaves are harvested, cleaned, cut, and then softened before making the lei.

Kiriko Redondo wearing lei hilo fashioned to look like maile.

Lei hilo of kaunaʻoa (Cuscuta sandwichiana) and lāʻī — Lei hilo of kaunaʻoa (*Cuscuta sandwichiana*) and lāʻī. This interesting lei hilo (double helix twist) is made first by creating a lei hilo of lāʻī, and then twisting that with the kaunaʻoa. Image: Leilehua Yuen

The most common lei hilo seen today is made with lāʻī, the twisted leaves of the tī (Cordyline fruticosa). They are spun into a double helix, much like making a two-ply rope.

This lei is a good “standby” lei, as the prepared leaves, or even completed lei, can be kept in the freezer until needed.