Hoʻomaikaʻi Class of 2022! Congratulations Class of 2022!

Did you know that in Hawaiʻi, it is a tradition to gift graduates with lei? Graduation is a time for locals to simultaneously express pride in their graduates and exercise their lei-making creativity. After graduation ceremonies, friends and families gather in graduation halls or fields outside the venues to pass out lei and congratulate the graduates on their accomplishments. In no time, students are swimming in flower, candy, money, ribbon, and various other store-bought and homemade lei. As you can see in the photo, there are a lot of lei! Parents usually have to help carry some of the lei on their arms and in bags as the lei giving continues.

Mauna Loa has been part of the graduation season because someone crafty once made a lei with our product, the Mini Mauna, and they are now a staple when gifting new graduates. We’re honored and love that people are incorporating us into their special day. And if you can’t find where to buy a Mini Mauna lei, we created a post with a Hawaiian lei maker, Lei by Dillyn, so you can keep this tradition alive no matter where you are, or create a new tradition.

Pro Tip: Customize your lei with ribbons and ties that match the graduate’s school colors!