Graduation season brings a familiar question: which lei should I get? Between orchid leis, kukui nut leis, ti leaf, maile, candy leis, and a dozen other options, the choices pile up fast. This guide breaks down the different types of graduation leis, how to pick the right one for your graduate, and what to expect when ordering fresh leis shipped from Hawaii for the commencement ceremony.
Why graduates wear leis
In Hawaii, family and friends pile leis on graduates until the flowers reach their ears. The tradition has spread well beyond the islands over the past few decades, especially across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southwest. A graduation lei honors the work your graduate put in and sends them off with aloha for what comes next.
For a deeper look at the history and etiquette of this tradition, see our guide on when to give graduation leis.
Types of graduation leis
Each type of lei has a different look, price point, and personality. Some are fresh flowers that last a few days; others are keepsakes your graduate will hold onto for years. Here are the most popular choices for high school and college graduation.
Orchid leis
The single orchid lei is the most widely given graduation lei. It’s lightweight, comfortable to wear through a long commencement ceremony, and holds up well in warm weather. Purple is the classic color, though white and mixed-color orchid leis work as alternatives. Starting around $14, orchid leis are an affordable pick when you need more than one. A double strand orchid lei offers a fuller look for a few dollars more. Browse orchid leis →
Tinted orchid leis (school colors)
Want to match your graduate’s school colors? Tinted orchid leis are hand-dyed in specific shades, so you get a lei in blue, red, green, gold, orange, or other hues. A blue and white tinted orchid lei for a UCLA grad or a cardinal and gold one for USC adds a personal touch a generic purple orchid doesn’t. These start around $25-33 depending on the color combination. Browse tinted orchid leis →
Kukui nut leis
Kukui nut leis carry a bold, polished look and tend to be the most popular graduation lei for guys. The smooth, dark nuts have a masculine feel, and at around $12, they’re among the most affordable options. One advantage over fresh flower leis: kukui nut leis last indefinitely. Many graduates keep theirs on a shelf or hanging in their room as a permanent memento from their ceremony. Browse kukui nut leis →
Ti leaf and maile style leis
Ti leaf leis and maile style leis represent the most traditional and formal Hawaiian lei styles. In Hawaii, the maile lei (made from actual maile vine) is reserved for the most significant life moments. Our ti leaf maile style leis recreate that look using fresh ti leaves, sometimes woven with orchids or tuberose for added color and fragrance. A basic ti leaf lei starts at $20; premium maile styles with tuberose run up to $110. These are a top choice for male graduates, though they look striking on anyone. Browse ti leaf & maile leis →
Tuberose leis
For graduates who love fragrance, tuberose leis are hard to beat. The scent is sweet, strong, and fills the air around whoever wears it. One thing worth noting: tuberose has an intense fragrance, so if your graduate is sensitive to scents or has allergies, check with them first. Tuberose leis and tuberose combination leis (paired with orchids or carnations) range from about $25 to $90. They’re a premium choice, often selected for college graduations or when you want the lei to feel extra special.
Haku head leis
Haku leis (crown leis) sit on top of the head rather than around the neck. They’re a striking option for female graduates and photograph beautifully alongside a cap and gown. Haku leis start around $23.
Carnation leis
Carnation leis are another popular option for graduation, especially when school color matching is a priority. Carnations come in a wide range of colors and hold up well through a long ceremony. Double carnation leis have a full, vibrant look and are a common sight at Hawaiian graduations specifically. Single and double carnation leis are typically priced between orchid leis and premium tuberose styles.
Money leis
Money leis are a popular graduation gift, especially at high school commencement ceremonies. Families fold dollar bills into a wearable strand, sometimes alternating bills with beads or ribbon. We don’t carry money leis, but you can learn more about them in our money lei guide.
Candy leis and ribbon leis
Candy leis are made by wrapping small candy bars or sweets in cellophane and tying them into a wearable garland. Ribbon leis use braided grosgrain or satin ribbon, often in the graduate’s school colors. Both are popular DIY options for high school graduations and make fun, affordable gifts alongside a fresh flower lei.
Graduation leis for guys vs. girls
Orchid leis, tuberose leis, and haku head leis tend to be the go-to choices for female graduates. The colors and fragrance complement the ceremony, and orchid leis in particular look great in graduation photos.
For male graduates, kukui nut leis, ti leaf leis, and maile style leis are the most common picks. These carry a more traditional, understated look. Kukui nut leis are especially popular for guys because of their bold appearance and low price point.
Flower leis work well for all genders, though. There are no strict rules here. Browse our full selection of leis for men →
How to choose the right graduation lei
If you’re stuck deciding, these three factors narrow your options quickly.
By budget
Under $20 gets you a classic orchid lei or kukui nut lei, both strong choices for any commencement ceremony. The $20-60 range opens up ti leaf leis, tinted orchid leis in school colors, and tuberose combinations. Above $60, you’re looking at premium maile style leis and double tuberose leis; families often choose these for college graduations or when the lei is the centerpiece gift.
By school colors
Tinted orchid leis are the easiest way to match your graduate’s school colors. Available in blue, red, yellow, orange, green, and other shades. If you’re ordering for a specific school, check our school pages to see leis matched to your graduate’s university colors.
High school vs. college graduation
High school graduation leis tend to be simpler. A single orchid lei or kukui nut lei is the most common choice at high school commencement ceremonies, and candy leis or ribbon leis often appear alongside the fresh flower lei. College graduation often calls for something more substantial: double orchid leis, maile styles, and tuberose leis are popular for the bigger milestone. Some families order a fresh flower lei for the ceremony and pair it with a kukui nut lei the graduate keeps as a lasting memento.
How to order fresh graduation leis from Hawaii
Place your order at least one to two weeks before the ceremony. This gives you time to schedule your preferred delivery date and avoid any last-minute shipping surprises. During peak graduation season (late April through mid-June), ordering early matters; demand runs high and certain lei styles sell out.
Every lei ships from Hawaii in our Stay Fresh Cooler, packed with ice packs to keep it fresh during transit. At checkout, you select the delivery date you need and we handle the rest. Shipping starts at $38.50 for the first lei, with each additional lei in the same order adding only about $3. For a full breakdown of pricing by lei type, see our graduation leis page.
Overnight shipping is available for the West Coast. Standard and second day air options cover the rest of the country. If you need same-day shipping, call us directly at 808-798-6125.
What to do with your lei after graduation
Fresh flower leis stay beautiful for a day or two after the ceremony with proper storage. Mist the lei lightly with water, wrap it in a damp paper towel, seal it in a plastic bag, and keep it in the refrigerator. Some graduates prefer to dry their lei as a keepsake by hanging it in a well-ventilated area for several days. Our lei care guide has the full details.
Ready to order?
Browse our full selection of fresh Hawaiian graduation leis.
Schedule your delivery date at checkout.
