An Island tradition since 1927, Lei Day was first conceived by
writer/poet Don Blanding, a journalist at the Honolulu Star-
Bulletin. He shared his idea with fellow newspaper columnist
Grace Tower Warren, who coined the phrase, "May Day is Lei Day
in Hawaii." Soon thereafter, a song of the same name was
composed by Ruth and Leonard "Red" Hawk. By 1929, the governor
of Hawaii (Wallace Farrington) signed a Lei Day proclamation
that encouraged residents to honor the traditions of Hawaii Nei
by wearing and displaying lei. "May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii
Garlands of flowers everywhere All of the colors in the rainbow
Maidens with blossoms in their hair Flowers that mean we should
be happy Throwing aside a load of care Oh, May Day is Lei Day in
Hawaii May Day is happy days out there" Happy Lei Day,
everybody! Innkeeper Holualoa Inn