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Flowers · Leis

E lei aku ʻoe kuʻu aloha, wear my love as a lei

Long before wedding rings arrived in Hawaii, couples exchanged flower and Maile leis: fragrant garlands handpicked and strung with love, symbolizing friendship and the unending circle of life. This lei exchange ceremony remains at the heart of every Hawaiian wedding on Maui today.

A bride in a white orchid lei and haku flower crown, fresh Hawaiian leis beside her, Maui
A hand holding white plumeria and orchid wedding leis on a Maui beach

In Hawaiian Tradition the wedding leis are exchanged prior to the rings

Hawaiian Wedding leis can be woven from flowers, leaves, ferns, seeds and vines. On Maui, the most popular wedding leis are made from plumeria, orchids, tuberose and pikake. The Maile lei, an open, trailing dark green vine lei, is considered sacred.

Hawaiian wedding traditions

Your Hawaiian flowers

Tropical bridal bouquet

A classic island bouquet bursts with color and fragrance. It can be hand held tied with ti leaves, cascading or bohemian style. The color and style is yours. Broad monstera or ti leaves add lush green structure and movement.

Wedding leis

A Hawaiian wedding lei is one of the most meaningful parts of your ceremony. A woven strand of fresh flowers, traditionally orchids, seasonally plumeria or Maile vine, placed over the shoulders as a symbol of love, respect and welcome.

Crown of flowers

Also called the “Hawaiian Veil”, made by using a braiding technique. They are often worn by the Bride, flower girls or female guests as a flower crown, a nod to the island tradition and a popular look for beach ceremonies. They can also be made as bracelets.

Circle of flowers

A circle of flowers in the sand is one of the most striking elements of a Hawaiian beach ceremony. Vivid or pastel tropical blooms are directly laid onto the sand forming a perfect ring where the couple will stand to exchange their vows. The circle itself carries meaning as it signifies no beginning, no end. A visual echo of the vows being made.

Maui flowers

Please tap any of the pictures below to see them up close.

Your Hawaiian wedding flowers are entirely customizable. Choose floral arrangements as part of your wedding package or select individual blooms and designs a la carte. Tropical blooms can become almost anything you imagine.