Hawai’i lei makers once again graced the May Day lei contest with gorgeous displays.
Lei kui by Melvin “Moki” Labra, winner of the 2026 Mayor’s Grand Prize. Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Parks & Rec
puakenikeni, pua kalaunu, Pele’s hair, plumeria – the list goes on of the beautiful flowers being presented as part of a lei-making competition in celebration of Lei Day on May 1 this year. Hosted by the Honolulu Parks and Recreation Department at Kapi’olani Park, this year’s event was themed “The meeting adjournedtranslated as “from the zenith to the horizon”.
About 145 entries were submitted in various categories. The four main divisions were first crown of victory (beginner), hat crown (has a law), didn’t want (law with the thematic material) i necklace (by law) First, second and third place winners were selected from each category, with a winning prize pool of nearly $5,400 divided between each award. The day after the pageant, the lei were taken to the graves of the ali’i of Hawai’i at the Royal Mausoleum State Monument-Mauna ‘Ala.
Lei kui by Melvin “Moki” Labra, winner of the 2026 Mayor’s Grand Prize. Photo: Courtesy of Honolulu Parks & Rec
Melvin “Moki” Tracy Labra won the Mayor’s Grand Prize for his magnificent lei kui, made of hau, kī and tricolor dracaena.
See more of the beautiful lei on display at this year’s event.
SEE ALSO: Gorgeous O’ahu Lei Day 2025 Lei Contest Winner
Esme Betsch is HONOLULU Magazine’s Spring 2026 Editorial Fellow.
