How to Care for Your Lei: A Complete Guide


Leis are an essential part of Hawaiian culture, and taking proper care of them ensures that they remain fresh, fragrant, and beautiful for as long as possible. Whether you're preparing for a special occasion, like a wedding or graduation, or simply want to preserve your lei, this guide will walk you through the best practices for keeping your lei in top condition.


In this guide:

  1. How to Keep Your Lei Fresh for the Big Day
  2. Transporting Your Lei Safely
  3. How to Dry and Preserve a Lei
  4. Disposing of a Lei Properly


How to Keep Your Lei Fresh for the Big Day

To make sure your lei, whether a haku, orchid lei, or floral garland, stays fresh, follow these simple steps:

  • Unpack your lei immediately: As soon as you receive your lei, carefully unpack it. This prevents it from getting crushed and allows air to circulate around the flowers.
  • Store in the refrigerator: Keep your lei at a temperature between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This will help prolong its freshness for several days. If a refrigerator is unavailable, lightly mist your lei with cool water and wrap it in a moist paper towel or store it in a plastic bag.
  • Special care for fragrant leis: If you have a fragrant lei, it’s best to wear it soon after unpacking, as their scent fades faster than that of an orchid lei.
  • Orchid leis: These hardy leis can last up to three days if stored properly and misted daily.

Quick Tip​s:

  • Keep the lei in a cool place to avoid wilting.
  • Lightly spray with cool water to refresh your lei throughout the day.

Transporting Your Lei Safely

When transporting your leis, especially for special events like weddings or luaus, here are some essential tips to prevent damage:

  • Keep it cool but not cold: Extreme cold can cause the flowers to brown. Make sure the lei is stored in a cool, not freezing, environment during transport.
  • Let it breathe: Before wearing your lei, let it warm up and breathe. A cold lei fresh from the florist bag can be uncomfortable and may stain clothing. By letting it air out, it will feel soft, fresh, and ready to wear.

How to Dry and Preserve a Lei

While some leis are meant to be worn and enjoyed immediately, others, such as maile, can be preserved for sentimental reasons. Here’s how you can save and preserve your lei:

  • Air Drying: Some leis, like maile, dry beautifully and can maintain their fragrance for a long time. Simply hang the lei over a photo, on a door, or above your bed to dry naturally.
  • Desiccant Preservation: For more delicate leis, you can use a desiccant, such as silica gel, to preserve them. Once dried, store the lei in a sealed container to maintain its condition.



Disposing of a Lei Properly

Leis carry significant meaning in Hawaiian culture, and it’s important to dispose of them with care and respect. When it’s time to let go of your lei, consider these thoughtful methods:

  • Return it to nature: Some choose to hang their dried lei on a tree or in a special place outdoors. You can also place it on an altar or kuahu.
  • Spread the petals: Another respectful way to dispose of a lei is to take it apart and scatter the petals into the wind or on the ocean. This allows you to honor the lei’s meaning while returning it to the land.

The key thing to remember is that leis are made, given, and received with aloha. Honoring the tradition by disposing of the lei with care reflects that spirit.

Conclusion

Taking good care of your lei ensures that it stays fresh and beautiful for as long as possible, whether you're preparing for a big day or preserving a meaningful gift. Proper storage, gentle handling, and thoughtful disposal are all ways to extend the life of your floral lei and respect its significance.

Are you ready to find the perfect Hawaiian lei for your next occasion? Browse our collection of fresh, handcrafted leis today and bring the spirit of aloha to your special event!

Explore Cindy’s Wide Range of Hawaiian Leis