When To Give Leis for Graduation

Giving graduation leis is a long-standing Hawaiian tradition. Here are the most common questions about graduation lei etiquette, timing, and tradition.

What is the meaning of giving a lei at graduation?

A graduation lei is a symbol of pride, accomplishment, and the bond between the giver and the graduate. Graduation marks one of life’s biggest milestones, and the lei represents good luck, hope, and joy for the graduate’s future. The practice has deep roots in Hawaiian culture and has become widespread across the mainland over the past several decades.

Are graduation leis cultural appropriation?

No. Giving a lei at graduation is a Hawaiian tradition that Hawaii has shared openly with the world for over a century. In Hawaii, graduates of all backgrounds receive leis at commencement ceremonies. After the ceremony, family and friends gather around the graduate and adorn them with leis of flowers, kukui nuts, shells, ti leaves, maile, and sometimes money. This Hawaiian cultural tradition spread naturally through families, travel, and shared appreciation for the spirit of aloha. Wearing a lei at graduation is a respectful way to participate in a tradition that welcomes everyone.

How to give a lei at graduation

When presenting the lei, the graduate bows their head slightly and the giver places the flowers around their neck. Some people finish with a kiss on the cheek. Graduates often receive multiple leis from different family members and friends throughout the day, so the lei you give becomes part of a beautiful, stacked collection.

Do you give a lei before or after the graduation ceremony?

This depends on the school’s rules. Some schools allow graduates to wear leis during the commencement ceremony itself. Others ask families to wait until after the processional. Check with your graduate’s school beforehand. In most cases, families present the lei right after the ceremony ends, when graduates come out to meet their family and friends. If the school allows leis during the ceremony, giving it beforehand so your graduate walks across the stage in their cap and gown wearing it is a popular choice.

Who wears a lei at graduation?

Anyone honored at the graduation ceremony can wear a lei. Graduates, deans, principals, school officials, guest speakers, and commencement honorees all receive them. Female graduates tend to prefer floral leis like orchids or tuberose, while male graduates sometimes receive more masculine-looking kukui nut leis, ti leaf leis, or maile style leis. Flower leis are appropriate for all genders.

When should I order graduation leis?

Order your graduation lei at least one to two weeks before the ceremony. Fresh leis ship from Hawaii packed in our Stay Fresh Cooler with ice packs, and you select your delivery date at checkout. During peak graduation season (late April through mid-June), popular lei styles sell out, so ordering early gives you the widest selection. Need help choosing? Our complete guide to graduation leis breaks down every type by style, budget, and school colors.

How many leis should I give a graduate?

One lei is a meaningful gift on its own. In Hawaii, though, graduates often receive so many leis they stack up past their chin. There’s no upper limit and no wrong number. If several family members each want to give a lei, that’s part of the tradition. Each lei represents a separate expression of love and pride from the person who gave it.

What to do with leis after graduation

You can store them and wear them again the next few days or dry them and keep them as mementos. To store fresh leis, mist them lightly with water, wrap them in a damp paper towel, place them in an airtight plastic bag, and keep them in the refrigerator. To dry a lei as a keepsake, hang it in a well-ventilated area and let it air dry over several days.

Why do Californians wear leis at graduation?

Many Hawaii locals who attend college in California and other mainland states brought their graduation traditions with them. Family members from Hawaii attending the ceremony would bestow leis on these graduates, and the tradition caught on with classmates and their families. Californians who vacation in Hawaii also brought the practice back home. Today, graduation leis are common at commencement ceremonies across California, the Pacific Northwest, the Southwest, and increasingly nationwide.

If your graduate is on the mainland, fresh leis ship there too: see where to buy Hawaiian leis online for costs, shipping options, and how far ahead to order.