Activities – The Lei Day May Pole

Several of us who remember the Lei Day festivities of years gone by, fondly remember dancing the May Pole.
Maypole in Hawaii
Maypole in Hawaii, probably 1940s.

Truly representative of Hilo’s multi-cultural blend, the Maypole was danced at many schools, and for the older generation of Hilo’s denizens, weaving the long multi-colored lei about the tall pole is as much a part of the holiday as the Floral Court. Maui celebrations still include the Maypole, and some schools on Oʻahu do as well. Perhaps it is time for the Maypole to return to Hilo!

More on Maypoles:

Historical Harmonies

History of the Maypole

Project Britian: Maypole Dancing

What is a Maypole, and how is it used?

And, for those who want to really do it up right:
Instructions on how to do the more complex forms of the Maypole dance.