The lei is an important cultural characteristic of the Hawaiian lifestyle.  In early Hawai'i the lei was symbolic of esteem for gods, loved ones, and for oneself. Today, this still holds true.  The lei is worn and given as an extension of love from oneself to its recipient.  Each individual lei symbolizes variations of beauty, healing, and spiritual power to its recipient.

Lei are usually designed through braiding, twisting, wrapping, or stringing together of flowers, bark and vines to be worn easily around the neck, head, and sometimes the wrist and ankles. 

Lei are given and worn for any and all special occasions such as marriages, birthdays, parties, and funerals. Lei are also given on informal occasions to express gratitude or warmth of friendship.  There is no woman to whom a lei does not add a special radiance; no man who does not seem more warmly handsome.

Text Source:
McDONALD, Marie, Ka Lei, The Leis of Hawaii, Ku Pa’a Publishing Incorporated and Press Pacifica Ltd., Fifth Printing