Graduation and Leis

            With high school and college graduation happening, I thought I would give you all an insight as to what it is like to graduate in Hawaii as well as what to expect.  First off, graduation is BIG!! I’m sure just like the mainland family and friends all gather to the ceremony to celebrate the graduate.  In Hawaii, the ceremony is not always what is the most important; it’s the lei giving afterwards that you have to go to.

            A lei, in Hawaiian, means garland or wreath, but more loosely is defined as any series of objects strung together with the intent of being worn.  The most popular kind of lei is the flower lei.  Any kind of flower can be used to make a lei.  My favorites are pikake and puakenikeni.  Although they are both a little on the pricy side, their smell makes up for it.  Whenever I receive one of these leis, I save them for days mainly because whatever room I leave them in is filled with their smell.

            Going back to graduation, leis are the most popular things to give to the new graduates.  Most students get more creative when giving leis, due to the price of a fresh flower lei, and make candy or yarn leis.  Another type of lei given to graduates is the haku lei, which is a flowers woven together into a head piece.  These are very beautiful and come in all different kinds of colors with the variety of flowers found in Hawaii.

            So, after the initial commencement ceremony comes the lei giving ceremony.  Lastly, something that is very important is the party!  Most graduates have parties in honor of their recent achievement.  Here, family and friends give monetary gifts in hope that the graduate will save it and use it wisely in the future.
            Here are some pictures from my high school graduation.