May is here and the whisperings of spring are in the air.  What better way to kick off the month of May than by celebrating with beautiful flowers and the tradition of making and giving a lei.

The lei was first introduced to the Hawaiian Islands by early Polynesian voyagers, who traveled in sailing canoes from Tahiti. As part of Hawaiian tradition, garlands of flowers, seashells, seeds, nuts and colorful feathers, were worn by ancient Hawaiians to add beauty and to set themselves apart from each other.

Thirty-four years ago, Irmalee & Walter Pomroy founded Kauai Museum’s First Annual May Day Lei Contest. Irmalee was honored as a “Living Treasure” in 2002. The Kauai Museum along with the Pomroy family continue to honor the tradition.

Today is a celebration of tradition, culture and heritage of the lei. Come visit the Kauai Museum and take part in this colorful and fragrant tradition.

Kauai Museum celebrates lei making on Kauai.

This year marks the 34th Annual Irmalee & Walter Pomeroy Lei Contest  Thursday, May 1,

Thursday, May 1

Annual Happy’s Keiki La Lei Contest held on Saturday, May 03, 2014.

Saturday May 10th May Day By The Bay

A day of Hawaiian music, hula, cultural demonstrations, food, crafts and silent auction.The setting is Waioli Beach Park also known as Pine Trees on the most beautiful Hanalei Bay.

Sunday May 25th  Banana Poka Round-Up

Education, and fun for the whole family at the 23rd annual Banana Poka Round-up. The Banana Poka is an invasive pest from South America. It is a threat to our native plants and the health of our native forest. Every year in Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow fronting the Kokee Museum a fun free outdoor family forest fair is held in Kokee State Park. Come and enjoy Hawaiian music, basket making, exhibitors, family hikes, as well as the Pedal to the Meadow bicycle race, crowing contest and more.

For updated events check back often at our Kauai Events Calendar