Research Guides: Hula and Mele: Lei

Lei Making

Make Lei by Kuana Torres Kahele
Call Number: DVD 0384
Publication Date: 2015
Learn the art of Hawaiian fresh lei making as Kuana Torres Kahele takes us on a guided tutorial of several styles of lei on this DVD, Make Lei. He explains and demonstrates in detail lei making techniques that can be translated easily to your area, no matter where you are in the world. Learn gathering protocol for lei making and interesting facts about lei giving. There might even be a song or two!

Below is a video digitized by the UH Library. To view, click on "UH Streaming Videos".

Nā Lei Makamae = The Treasured Lei by Marie A. McDonald and Paul R. Weissich
Call Number: HawPac SB449.5.L4 M34 2003
ISBN: 0824826493
Publication Date: 2003
The Story of the Lei by Loraine E. Kuck; edited by Anita Liptak
Call Number: HawPac DU624.65 .K82 1983
ISBN: 1896101134
Publication Date: 1983
Includes the history of the lei, types of lei, how to care for lei, and May Day - lei day in Hawai'i
Lei Aloha: Flower Lei of Hawaiʻi with Instructions by Marsha Heckman
Call Number: HawPac GN419.L4 H43 2001
ISBN: 0896103757
Publication Date: 2001
Ka Lei: the Leis of Hawaii by Marie McDonald
Call Number: HawPac DU624.65 .M33 1985
ISBN: 0914916327
Publication Date: 1985
Ka Lei: the Leis of Hawaii by Marie A. McDonald; photographs and illustrations by Roen McDonald
Call Number: HawPac SB449.5.L4 M34
ISBN: 9780914916338
Publication Date: 1978
Also HawPac Reference
Hawaii's Seeds and Seed Leis: an Identification Guide by Laurie Shimizu Ide
Call Number: HawPac SB118 .I3 2000
ISBN: 1566473381
Publication Date: 2000

Feather Leis As an Art by Milly Singletary
Call Number: HawPac GN435.9 .S55
Publication Date: 1976
The Art of Featherwork in Old Hawaiʻi by John Dominis Holt
Call Number: HawPac NK4860.5.U62 H34 1985
ISBN: 0914916688
Publication Date: 1985
Ni'ihau Shell Leis by Linda P. Moriarty; photographs by Leland and Christopher Cook
Call Number: HawPac DU624.65 .M67 1986
ISBN: 082480998X
Publication Date: 1986
Pupu O Ni'ihau = Shell leis of Niʻihau by Linda Paik Moriarty
Call Number: HawPac DU624.65 .M674 2001
ISBN: 093742644X
Publication Date: 2001

Master lei maker Bill Char makes a wili (wrap) lei and explains his technique.

Lei sellers in Hawai‘i, early 20th century
Courtesy of the Hawaii State Archives Photograph Collection

Ferns of Hawai'i by Kathy Valier
Call Number: HawPac QK532.H4 V35 1995
ISBN: 0824816404
Publication Date: 1995
Also HawPac Reference
Hawaiian Plant Life: Vegetation and Flora by Robert Gustafson, Derral R. Herbst, and Philip W. Rundel
Call Number: HawPac QK473.H4 G87 2014
ISBN: 9780824837105
Publication Date: 2014
Plants in Hawaiian Culture by Beatrice H. Krauss; illustrations by Thelma F. Greig
Call Number: HawPac DU624.65 .K72 1993
ISBN: 9780824812256
Publication Date: 1993
Also HawPac Reference
Growing Native Hawaiian Plants: a How-to Guide for the Gardener by Heidi Leianuenue Bornhorst
Call Number: HawPac SB439.24.H3 B67 2005
ISBN: 9781573062077
Publication Date: 2005
Pua Nani by Jeri Bostwick; photographs by Douglas Peebles; designed by Momi Cazimero
Call Number: HawPac SB407 .P427 1987
ISBN: 0935180605
Publication Date: 1987
From the Outdoor Circle.
Also HawPac Reference
Hawaiian Flowers & Flowering Trees: a Guide to Tropical and Semi-Tropical Flora by Loraine E. Kuck and Richard C. Tongg
Call Number: HawPac QK473.H4 K82 1960
ISBN: 9780804802277
Publication Date: 1960
Also HawPac Reference

Plants for Hawaiian Lei
Features websites, the Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database, and many color digital photographs. By Hamilton Library at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa.

Hawaiian Ethnobotany Online Database This link opens in a new window
Web site and reference information provided and maintained by Bishop Museum. Browse cultural and scientific information about 145 plants commonly used in traditional Hawaiian culture. Search by Hawaiian names or scientific names.

Hawaiian Ecosystems and Culture: Why Growing Plants for Lei Helps to Preserve Hawai‘i’s Natural and Cultural Heritage
Lei making can be significant in preserving native plant communities and Hawaiian culture. By Puanani O. Anderson-Fung and Kepä Maly.