Saturday, May 2 | 2 – 7 PM

Join us for the Waikoloa Lei Day Festival — a free, family-friendly celebration of Hawai‘i’s rich lei-making traditions. Held at Kings’ Shops and Queens’ Marketplace, in partnership with Traditions Hawaii, this special event unites the community and visitors through captivating cultural performances, hands-on activities, and a vibrant marketplace featuring local artisans, eateries, and vendors.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and significance of Lei Day, experiencing the artistry of hula, exploring handcrafted goods, and participating in cultural activities.

*Event activities and schedule subject to change without notice.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES

Guests of all ages are invited to engage in traditional Hawaiian games, an important part of Hawai‘i’s cultural heritage:

• ʻUlu Maika (stone bowling)
• Moa Pahe‘e (dart sliding)
• Kōnane (Hawaiian checkers)

Additional offerings include lei-making classes hosted by Ainahua Florals and a local vendor market.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

2:45 PM – Aloha ‘Oli with Hālau Manaola

3:00 PM – EvaLani Serenaders

4:00 PM – Hālau Manaola

5:00 PM – Lei Contest Award Ceremony

6:00 PM – Kala’e & Kalena Parish

LEI CONTEST

The Lei Contest is proudly sponsored by Waikoloa Beach Resort, with organization by Traditions Hawaii and Hale Kua, celebrating the artistry and cultural significance of lei making.

Queens’ Marketplace will host this year’s Lei Contest, featuring three traditional lei-making categories: Wili, Haku, and Kui.

• Lei Entry & Registration: May 2, 1 – 2 PM
• Registration Fee: $10 per entry (no limit on entries)
• Judging: 2:30-3:30 PM (based on use of natural vegetation, presentation, craftsmanship, and creativity)
• Public Viewing: 3:30-4:30 PM
• Awards Ceremony: 5 PM

Contestants must be present or have a representative available to accept awards.

Lei Contest registration and exhibition will take place at the Kuleana Rum Shack Tasting Room (Unit H7), with the Awards Ceremony held at the Coronation Pavilion Main Stage.

Lei Style Guidelines

• Haku: As the name denotes, lei haku is created by braiding or plaiting three stands of natural fiber. This may include, but is not limited to hau, la’i, ferns, stems, adorning flowers, leaves and fruits. Non-natural materials are not acceptable in this category.
• Kui: Kui Lei is strung or sewn together, whether in the style of kui pololei through the center, or kui poepoe, from the side to create a circular shape. Nuts, seeds, flowers, and other vegetative substances are acceptable for this category, however, sea or land shells as well as un-natural materials are not acceptable.
• Wili: Meaning twist or wind, lei wili is traditionally made with vegetation placed on natural backing made of banana fiber, hau, ti leaf, or lauhala, bound together with natural fiber or thread. For this category, rafia is acceptable, however plastic and un-natural materials are not acceptable.

Lei Requirements:

• Minimum length 32 inches
• Must be made using natural materials only (raffia permitted)
• No synthetic materials allowedg

Terms & Considerations:

• Judging: Entries will be reviewed by a panel using established criteria; submission does not guarantee placement or award.
• Lei Care: While all lei will be handled with care, participants acknowledge that natural elements (humidity, temperature, handling) may affect condition.
• Final Decision: All judging decisions are final.

Lei Contest Awards & Prizes

Category Awards (Haku, Kui, Wili):

• 1st Place – Prize package valued at $300
• 2nd Place – Prize package valued at $200
• 3rd Place – Prize package valued at $100

Overall Lei Awards:

• 1st Place – $1,000 cash prize
• 2nd Place – $500 cash prize
• 3rd Place – $250 cash prize

For more information regarding the lei contest, please reach out to Rachel with Hale Kua at rachel@halekua.org

MERCHANT PROMOTIONS

Kuleana Rum Shack – Enjoy specialty cocktails and small plates at our pop-up throughout the event!

Olivia Clare Boutique – Join our VIP list to receive a 20% off VIP Pass, valid May Day weekend! Click Here.

OluKai – Sip & Shop, in-store!

The Roost (at Kona Biscuit Co.) – Stop by for our Lei Day drink special!

LEI CONTEST SPONSORS

Prize packages feature a variety of gift cards and certificates from Queens’ Marketplace merchants and restaurants. Cash prizes for the overall contest winners are generously sponsored by Waikoloa Beach Resort.

Mahalo to our sponsors for their support in making this event possible!