Leaf and nut leis information and introductory page.

Ti-leaf leis with orchid accents
(orchid colors vary)
$15.00 each

Bigger pictures & detailed information

Kukui nut leis: Sturdy, non-perishable, traditional

$10.00 each

Bigger pictures & detailed information

Song-of-India: Flat lei of ti-leaf and bright yellow & green leaves. Fancy, colorful and light

$ 20.00 each

Bigger pictures & detailed information

Song-of-India
with red ginger petals:
even fancier!

$22.00 each

Bigger pictures & detailed information

Single Ti-leaf leis $8.00 each

Bigger pictures & detailed information

Double Ti-leaf leis $15.00 each

Bigger pictures & detailed information

Kukui with ti-leaf wrap $18.00 each

Bigger pictures & detailed information

3- strand Maile lei - mildly scented:
traditional, but does not ship well

$45.00 each

Bigger pictures & detailed information

Maile-style ti-leaf:
traditional and lasts and travels
better than maile!

$20.00 each

Bigger pictures & detailed information

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PO Box 1989, Keaau, Hawaii 96749

More about Leaf and Nut leis...

The Ti plant, Cordyline terminalis, was brought to Hawaii by the earliest Polynesian settlers. In pre-contact times, ti was planted near the home - as often still is considered as necessary a part of your home as the front door! Ti leaves were used for rain capes, thatch, sandals, and food wrappings. It can be steamed, ironed, or frozen to change into the pliable, but strong material we use for leis. Ti planted like a lei around a house were believed to protect from evil forces and encourage good things to happen. A stalk of ti was used as a sign of peace.

In modern times, the ti lei has experienced a renaissance. Creative lei-makers are combining twisted ti in colors of green, red, and yellow in tiers and multi-braided show competition leis. Thankfully, a ti leaf lei may be carefully frozen and worn many times over the years so this artistry may continue to be enjoyed.

Kukui nut leis are another heritage plant of the islands. Kukui is also known as candlenut - the nuts are large and oily, and were skewered, lit, and used as a candle. The old Hawaiian lei makers grooved the brown, black, white, or striped nuts, faceted, and ground them to a glossy smoothness. With the inner nut meat removed, the leis are surprisingly light and last a lifetime.

Maile is a woody vine found deep in the forest, but repeated collecting has diminished this popular lei plant. Maile has a light, vanilla-like scent and is used since ancient times for special occasions.