Meleana Estes, O‘ahu - The People. The Place.

For Meleana Estes, author and lei maker, the lei isn’t just a symbol of Hawai‘i, it’s part of our history and culture, and a cherished part of her family’s traditions. Meleana believes the lei is our ultimate expression of aloha. Her book, “Lei Aloha,” co-authored by her friend Jennifer Fiedler, helps to share her love of lei instilled by her tūtū, Amelia Ana Ka‘ōpua Bailey, a renowned, renaissance Hawaiian lei maker.
In lush Mānoa Valley on the island of O‘ahu, Meleana Estes picks fragrant yellow pua kenikeni flowers from her family trees to make lei for a gathering of friends. She remembers these trees when they were small when she visited her tūtū (grandmother) as a child. Their fragrance brings back so many memories.
From elegant maile lei and colorful lei po‘o, Meleana loves to make and give lei. Receiving a lei can mark celebrations, remembrances, or gifts of gratitude. Or they can be given as a gesture of love and admiration. Meleana wants visitors to know the value of each lei and how much time, mana (energy), and love is put into them from picking each flower to stringing, winding, and braiding each and every lei. Lei makers choose the style of lei based on what’s growing in abundance, gathering responsibly, and treating our limited resources with mālama (care) and respect. That’s why the gifting of lei should be treasured.
Meleana welcomes visitors to take a lei-making class, buy a lei in O‘ahu’s Chinatown or elsewhere, or simply appreciate the cultural practices and long traditions that make this place so unique. Each colorful lei isn’t just a symbol of aloha. It’s a moment and a memory that weaves our lives together in Hawai‘i.
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[@winterlamaster]

Wonderful on so many levels. Great story.

[@SillyConValleyGrl]

Im on Maui now but I grew up on Oahu and i agree, after decades working in Silicon Valley i am so happy to be home and living off-grid in the forest of Makawao. Much Aloha 🌺🌈💚💙💜

[@andrewhan7426]

Another great glimpse into what makes Hawaii special. Mahalo.

[@ldancer2340]

I am glad I subscribed. It is my dream to travel to Moloka'i one day. I send a smile to each of You for creating this presentation. 🍃