How to Make Haku Leis

Frangipani are a good flower to use when making a Haku lei.

A Haku lei is a garland of flowers that is made by weaving together flowers and long leaves, such as banana leaves. Haku leis are commonly used in Hawaii at celebrations such as birthdays, graduations and weddings, where a bride would wear a white Haku lei on her head like a crown. The Haku style can also be used to make leis that you wear as garlands or tie around the wrist.

Things You'll Need

• 1 banana leaf
• Fresh flowers
• Twine

Instructions

1. Remove any leaves from the stems of the flowers. Cut the stems so you have 3 inches left below each flower head.

2. Cut the banana leaf into thin strips.

3. Cut a long piece of the twine; this will be your base. Take one strip of banana leaf and place the base on top of it. Tie them together in a strong knot at one end and wind the leaf around the base twice.

4. Take one of the flower heads and place it on the base, slightly to the right, then wind the leaf around it twice. Take another flower and repeat, this time placing it slightly to the left. Keep adding each flower head one by one in the same way, making sure to alternate sides as you go.

5. Whenever you come to the end of a strip of leaf, take another strip and overlap them for 3 inches. Wind the base around it twice, then carry on making the lei.

6. Knot the ends of the base and leaf securely when your lei is the desired length. Tie the two ends of the lei together and cut off any loose strands of twine and leaf.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you always wind the leaf tightly to keep the flowers in place.

• If you can't find a banana leaf, you can use a piece of ribbon or string.

• The recommended length for a Haku lei worn on the head is 21 inches.

References

• The University of Hawaii System: How to Make a Haku Lei
• The Hawaiiian Lua: How to Make a Lei
• Apoalewa Wedding Agency: Hawaiian Wedding Traditions