Maile Leis

The maile lei is one of the most sacred and dear lei traditions in Hawaiian culture. Traditionally used in ancient Hawaiian worship and as an offering for peacemaking, this royal Hawaiian lei is said to bring protection, healing, and good fortune upon its wearer.

Worn as an open lei, each lei is meticulously crafted from the dark green, glossy leaves of the alyxia oliviformis, known by its Hawaiian name, Maile.

Our selection includes real Hilo maile lei with its characteristic long leaves and viney texture. Our authentic Hilo maile is known for its green and woodsy, sweet, light fragrance and elegant green foliage.

Each open-ended lei of single strand maile vines drapes beautifully to the belt line or below, and is most traditionally worn by men at special occasions like weddings, graduations, business openings, and prestigious celebrations as a symbol of honor, reverence, and respect.

One of our most popular lei worn by grooms and officiants at weddings, Hawaiian ceremonies, and graduation lei for men worn at graduation ceremonies; a revered lei for a loved one or special event.

Schedule your delivery date, shipping rates will be calculated at website checkout.

*Due to California agricultural restrictions, Hilo Big Island Maile Lei will be substituted for Ti Leaf Maile when shipping to California.  

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Occasions For Wearing A Maile Style Lei

Weddings Leis
Graduation Leis
Blessings and Ceremonies
Corporate Events
Funerals and Memorials

Maintaining and Storing Your Maile Lei: Tips for Freshness

To keep your maile lei fresh and as beautiful as possible, lightly spray with water and refrigerate when not being worn. Store the lei in a plastic container lined with damp paper towels without excessive overlapping of leaves.

For Hilo maile, you can preserve it by allowing it to air dry in a cool, dry area out of direct sunlight. As it dries, the leaves will continue to darken while retaining much of their shape and light scent. Fresh maile lei should not be stored in sealed plastic bags to prevent mold. Avoid extreme heat and direct sunlight when wearing your lei, as this can cause the leaves to become limp and lifeless sooner than needed. If ordered for a special occasion, store it in the refrigerator overnight to optimize freshness.

What Does A Maile Lei Represent?

In old Hawaii, this traditional lei held profound cultural significance. This revered lei was often used in important ceremonies, including hula rituals, religious offerings, and the sealing of significant agreements or alliances, embodying the sacred connection between the people and the divine.

Maile leaves lush, green appearance and fragrance were believed to attract good spirits and positive energy. It was often worn in sacred rituals conducted by Hawaiian priests or kahuna.

In these ceremonies, the maile lei represented the wearer’s high status, purity, and the respect they commanded within the community.

What Is A Hilo Maile Lei?

Maile is a beloved native plant that grows throughout the misty forests of the Hawaiian Islands, appearing as both vine and shrub.

The leaves from a Hilo Maile lei are grown in Hilo, on the Big Island of Hawaii. The maile leis from Hilo are often considered to be of superior quality because of the optimal growing conditions in the area, including rich soil, adequate rainfall, and the perfect balance of sunlight.

The leaves of Hilo maile are usually a more vibrant dark green color, the lei is fuller, and the fragrance is notably richer compared to maile grown in less ideal conditions.

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