As unique and diverse as our communities are in Hawaiʻi, so are some of our traditions on Memorial Day. One of the more distinct traditions is the placing of lei upon every gravesite within Punchbowl for Memorial Day. Every year the members of the community work together to make some 38,000 lei to fulfill this ambitious goal. Those efforts include numerous volunteer opportunities: to help make ti leaf and fresh flower lei, to donate fresh flower lei and anthurium wreath before the ceremony, and “Sew a Lei for Memorial Day” events held every year around the island. At these events, you can donate fresh flowers, learn how to make a lei, and help make the lei yourself!
Hawaiian ti leaf lei stock photo by wingedwolf via iStock by Getty Images
Lei Sewing Sites 2023
Join our Parks & Recreation staff in showing your appreciation for those who sacrificed for our country by helping to Sew Lei for Memorial Day! If you can’t volunteer your time, we also take flower donations, particularly plumeria. Feel free to drop-off your flower donations at any of the lei-sewing sites listed below.
- May 25: Kāne‘ohe Community & Senior Center from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Contact: 768-6847
- May 26: Ala Pu‘umalu Community Park from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact: 768-6738
- May 26: Booth District Park from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact: 768-6744
- May 26: Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Contact: 233-7323
- May 26: Honolulu Hale from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact: 768-6622
- May 26: Kailua District Park from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact: 768-6824
- May 26: Kalākaua District Park from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Contact: 768-6757
- May 26 : Kapolei Hale from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact: 768-3001
- May 26: Kīlauea District Park from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.* Contact: 768-6713
- May 26: Makua Aliʻi Senior Center from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact: 768-6895
- May 26: McCully District Park from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact: 768-6707
- May 26: Mililani District Park from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact: 768-6777
- May 26: Wahiawā Botanical Garden from 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Contact: 621-5463
- May 26: Waiʻanae District Park from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact: 696-5039
- May 26: Waiau District Park from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact: 768-6795
- May 26: Wailupe Community Park from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.* Contact: 768-8948
- May 26: Waimānalo District Park from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact: 768-6841
- May 26: Bill Balfour Jr. Waipahū District Park from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Contact: 768-6798
* until flowers run out
More info: Memorial Day (honolulu.gov)
multiple locations
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