May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i
words and music by "Red" Hawk
copyright 1927
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i
words and music by "Red" Hawk
copyright 1927
Land of the flowers, of flow'ry bowers,
In her gay dress she appears
A sweet happy maid, may her dress never fade
As she carries this day through the years
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i
Garlands of flowers ev'ry where
All of the colors in the rainbow
Maidens with blossoms in their hair
Flowers that mean we should be happy
Throwing aside our load of care, Oh!
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i
Lei Day is happy day out there.
Land of green mountains, gardens and fountains
Beaches of white shining sand
Where each one I see has a smile just for me
And has ready a welcoming hand
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i
Garlands of flowers ev'ry where
All of the colors in the rainbow
Maidens with blossoms in their hair
Flowers that mean we should be happy
Throwing aside our load of care, Oh!
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai`i
Lei Day is happy day out there.
Keikis (children) throughout the islands sing this song on May first. It's a day of celebration, Ho'olaule'a--a time to remember traditions and honor a rich, thriving culture and heritage.
An abundance of good kau kau (food), music and laughter are shared with loved ones. Numerous hula (dance) pageants take place. Everyone wears their best attire: aloha shirts, mu'umu'us or holukus (long dresses). Fragrant flowers are worn as leis around the neck, or in ladies' hair as haku, woven head leis.
A sight to behold is the statue of King Kamehameha the Great, standing outside the Iolani Palace. Hundreds of leis are draped over the figure's outstretched arms, paying homage to the great warrior and sovereign who united the Hawaiian Islands.
