How to Make a Ribbon Maile Lei

The maile lei is sutiable for royalty.

The maile lei is different from the familiar flower lei, in that it is composed of several vines from the maile plant, as opposed to individual flowers strung together on a long string. The maile plant is native to Hawaii. Early Hawaiians began using it in lei making. Hawaiian custom often reserves the maile lei for persons of distinction, such as dignitaries or high school or college graduates. Sometimes it serves as the ribbon in ribbon cutting ceremonies.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Cut vines from the maile plant. Normally it takes about three vines to make a lei for wearing. If making a ribbon maile lei, you may need more or fewer vines, depending on your desired length.

2. Insert a sharp knife into the vine to make a slit near the cut end. The slit should run parallel with the vine and be about an inch long.

3. Make a second slit next to the first.

4. Weave an uncut end of one of the other vines through the two slits, connecting the two vines into one long piece.

5. Add more vines, using the same method, until you reach the desired length.

Tips & Warnings

• The challenging part is having access to a maile plant, unless you are in Hawaii.

References

• Aloha Hawaii: Popular for Leis Maile
• Native Plants Hawaii: Alyxia Stellata