“May Day is Lei Day in Hawai’i Nei” — a day to celebrate our aloha and our ‘aina’s unique beauty, our people, our traditions. Even in the shadow of COVID-19, the beauty of our culture shines through in the spirit of those who showcase it, and the appreciation of those who are enchanted by it.
Tonight be enchanted! Viewers can celebrate Lei Day Hawaiian style from the comfort and safety of their homes. Remember all the good things about Hawaii, including the heartbeat of Hawaii’s musicians.
TUNE IN TO THE BROADCAST FOR HAWAIIAN AIRLINES MAY DAY 2020
The broadcast will air TODAY, Friday, May 1, 2020 at: 7:00pm on KHNL and 8:00pm on KFVE.
Kāhuli Leo Le‘a has partnered with Hawaii News Now to produce “Hawaiian Airlines May Day 2020,” transitioning the live event into a TV broadcast. Gripped by the growing developments of COVID-19, viewers can experience the annual Lei Day celebration from the comfort and safety of their home. All artists will perform remotely to align with social distancing practices and will be brought together through the technology of broadcast programming (Those who purchased tickets for the live event will receive a full refund). The broadcast will air tonight at: 7:00pm on KHNL and 8:00pm on KFVE. Visit the web page for more information here. Or…
KAPENA AND MAOLI
You can also celebrate May Day in Hawaii’s Finest style online at 7:00 pm.
HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION VIRTUAL MAY DAY 2020
Growing up, we all remember practicing with our classmates for our school’s May Day program, or as adults being invited to watch our keiki hula for the first time. This year, the state Department of Education (HIDOE), in its new virtual normal, presents its very special “Virtual May Day” for everyone, everywhere, to enjoy!
HIDOE, along with the Friends of ‘Iolani Palace, is celebrating May Day with student and staff performances strung together in a beautiful virtual lei. Watch these beautiful videos on Vimeo here.
And if you’re not too busy dancing the night away or immersed in virtual learning, consider making a lei in honor of healthcare workers, first responders, kupuna, keiki, or anyone that is close to your heart. It is they who encourage us to move forward, strong and unwavering. The city Department of Parks and Recreation this year is celebrating with the “Na Lei Koa (Warrior Lei)” theme for Lei Day. Residents are invited to make a lei using items found in and around their homes, and to safely display it on their mailboxes, without inhibiting postal operations, or from their lanai or front door. The theme is an opportunity for residents to display aloha and show their appreciation for the warriors battling the coronavirus.
The Mayor’s Office of Culture and the Arts has also posted a “Lei Making at Home” series with step-by-step tips on how to make a variety of lei using natural materials on both Facebook and Instagram. Folks can watch here.
On behalf of the Hawaii State Senate and my staff, I wish you all not only a safe and happy Lei Day, but a warm and lasting connection with your loved ones.
