Fresh Hawaiian Graduation Leis - Shipped to Your Door

Not sure which lei to choose? Our graduation lei guide breaks down every type by style, budget, and occasion.

All About Graduation Leis
Giving the gift of a lei at graduation has long been a long-standing tradition in the Hawaiian culture. Now, graduates anywhere can be a part of this significant milestone. Hawaiian lei can be shipped anywhere in the United States. Many more graduation ceremonies across the country find graduates draped with dozens of Hawaiian lei for this special occasion.

Are Graduation Leis Cultural?
Yes, wearing a lei during the commencement ceremony is a tradition deeply rooted in the Hawaiian culture. At any commencement ceremony in Hawaii, graduates are adorned with stacks of leis given by friends and family members.

Depending on the graduation ceremony rules, you may need to wait until the ceremony’s completion to present the graduate with the lei. The gift of the lei will wish the Graduate good luck in all future endeavors and show them how loved and appreciated they are.

What Leis At Graduation Represent
The gift of Hawaii flower lei at graduation conveys love, respect, pride, and more to the graduate. It is a wish for good luck and a way of commemorating a special event and a significant person. The lei is a beautiful representation of the spirit of aloha to welcome and show love. For graduation, it lets the graduate know how much support they have from loved ones.

Who Wears Leis At Graduation
In Hawaii, all graduates of High School or College wear a “grad lei.” Anyone honored during a graduation ceremony can adorn a lei: graduates, commencement speakers, and honored guests to recognize achievements and respect for their contributions.

Why Do California Graduates Or Graduates Outside of Hawaii Wear Leis?
Many students from Hawaii attend college on the mainland. They and their parents take their traditions with them. As many of us from Hawaii know, you can find the Aloha spirit anywhere, not just within Hawaii. Our love for our traditions and culture extends way past our shores. As a result, these traditions have spread to everyone who loves our culture and wants to spread the Aloha spirit beyond our Island home.

Do guys wear leis for graduation?
Yes, men wear leis for graduation! You can find an assortment of leis made especially for men.

The most popular men’s leis styles are:

Ti Leaf Maile Leis. Add tuberose for a luxurious fragrant enhancement.
Classic Single Orchid Lei
The Triple Bom for a big statement. It’s triple the impact of a single orchid lei.
Kukui Nut Leis for a masculine, understated touch.
The Cigar Lei

How to care for your lei, so it lasts beyond the ceremony.
Many of our lei can last several days if cared for properly. Unpack it as soon as you receive it and place it in the refrigerator. The ideal temperature for leis is 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray the lei with a fine mist of water and put it in a plastic bag in the fridge, or wrap it with a moist paper towel if you don’t have a plastic bag. Keeping the flowers moist and cool but not too wet is essential.

The most resilient leis are:

Orchid Leis
Ti Leaf Leis
Maile Leis
Kukui Nut Leis

As a general rule, the more highly scented the flower, the more fragile and less tolerant to heat.
Graduation Leis – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a graduation lei?
A graduation lei is a traditional garland given to honor academic achievement and celebrate graduation. Leis are commonly worn during commencement ceremonies and graduation celebrations as a symbol of pride, love, and accomplishment.
Who gives leis at graduation?
Graduation leis are typically given by family members, friends, and loved ones. In some cases, schools or organizations may also provide leis for graduates during commencement ceremonies or group celebrations.

Are leis worn during the graduation ceremony?
Yes. Graduation leis are often worn during the ceremony or placed on the graduate immediately afterward. Many graduates also wear leis for senior portraits and post-ceremony celebrations.

What color lei is best for graduation?
Popular graduation lei colors include white, purple, and school-color combinations. Purple orchid leis are a classic choice, while white and tinted leis are often selected to match honor cords or school colors.

What type of lei is best for graduation?
Orchid leis are the most popular choice for graduation because they are fairly resilient, elegant, come in many styles, and photograph beautifully. Maile and ti leaf leis are also popular, especially for male graduates, due to their traditional style and durability.

When should I order a graduation lei?
Graduation leis should be ordered at least three to five days before the ceremony to allow for preparation and delivery. Ordering early (two to three weeks) by scheduling a delivery date helps ensure availability and on-time arrival for graduation day.

Do you ship graduation leis nationwide?
Yes. All of our graduation leis are handcrafted in Hawai‘i and shipped nationwide to ensure they arrive fresh and ready for commencement ceremonies and celebrations. Call us if you need next-day delivery.

Do you offer bulk graduation leis for schools or groups?
Yes. We offer bulk graduation leis for schools, families, and organizations celebrating multiple graduates. Bulk options are ideal for commencement ceremonies, group celebrations, and large family gatherings.

Are graduation leis appropriate for both high school and college graduations?
Yes. Graduation leis are appropriate for both high school and college commencements and are widely worn at ceremonies, celebrations, and graduation photos. Graduation lei are suitable for any grade level and academic accomplishment.

Substitution Policy

Availability of leis and flowers are based on seasonality, weather, and market conditions. Substitutions of flowers for items of equal value may be necessary.

See Shipping Rates for nationwide shipping.

How much do graduation leis cost?
Fresh Hawaiian graduation leis range from about $19 to $150, depending on the type of lei and materials used. Most families spend between $27 and $60 on a single lei before shipping.

Because your lei ships by air directly from Hawaii, packed in our Stay Fresh Cooler with ice packs, shipping starts at $38.50 for your first lei. Each additional lei in the same order adds only about $3 to shipping. Ordering two or three leis for siblings, friends, or family brings your per-lei delivered cost down quickly.

Here’s a breakdown by style:

Kukui nut leis start around $12. These polished nut leis are a popular choice for male graduates and last well beyond graduation day. Browse kukui nut leis →

Single orchid leis start around $14 and are the most popular graduation lei overall. Comfortable, colorful, and available in tinted school colors. Browse orchid leis →

Ti leaf and ti leaf maile style leis range from $20 to $110. Ti leaf leis carry a traditional masculine look; the maile styles with tuberose or orchid woven in are among our most premium options. Browse ti leaf & maile leis →

Haku head leis (crown style) start at $23 and are a striking option for female graduates who want something different from a neck lei.
When should you order graduation leis?
Order at least 5 days before the ceremony. May is our busiest month by far, and last-minute orders during graduation season may involve an additional rush fee. Ordering for the whole graduating class? Bulk packs like the 10-pack of kukui nut leis ($89.50, about $8.95 per lei) come with a per-lei discount, and shipping several leis in one box costs far less per lei than shipping one.

Ordering for a group?
Bulk packs come with a per-lei discount, so each lei costs less than ordering them one at a time.
These are popular with families and groups ordering for multiple graduates and schools hosting lei ceremonies.
Browse Bulk Lei Packs →

You choose your delivery date at checkout, and we coordinate everything from there.