The Art of Lei Poʻo - A Floral Workshop with Hui Hana Lei

Participants will learn the wili (wrapping) technique for creating a Hawaiian lei po’o (head lei). Using fresh flowers and foliage, they will wrap the materials around a raffia base. While raffia and fresh foliage will be provided, attendees should bring their own fresh flowers and foliage as well.

Hui Hana Lei Volunteers is a renowned group known for their exceptional lei-making skills. They have crafted lei for Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko of Japan, as well as a 6-foot lei for the Hawaiʻi Loa canoe’s 30th anniversary. Using flowers and foliage from Lyon Arboretum and their own gardens, they create fresh wili-style lei that can be ordered through Lyon, with 100% of the proceeds supporting the Arboretum. Through this workshop, the volunteers aim to share their expertise and foster a deeper appreciation for handmade Hawaiian lei.

Participants should bring their own floral clippers or sharp scissors and flowers/ foliage to use in their lei. Hui Hana Lei Volunteers will also provide some supplemental plant material. Please carefully review the supply list below.

Two workshops are available; the material covered will be the same in both workshops. Each participant may sign up for only one workshop.

The class will take place in the downstairs Visitors Center (VC).

Because this class is in high demand, please carefully review our cancellation and refund policy before signing up.

SUPPLY LIST: Participants should bring the following:

• Floral clippers (or scissors)
• Flowers and foliage if available
• Water to drink in a reusble botte (optional but strongly recommended)
• Bug spray (optional but recommended) The Arboretum has many mosquitoes.

Class size: 10

Price: $70 (includes $65 instructional fee and $5 materials fee)

The deadline to request a refund will be 4/3/25

Host or Publisher Lyon Arboretum Education Department