Find Love and Intimacy While Getting Traditional Hawaiian Lei in Paradise

The Significance of Getting Lei'd in Hawaiian Culture

In Hawaiian culture, receiving a lei is deeply symbolic. Lei, which are garlands of flowers, leaves, shells or nuts, are given to express love, respect, congratulations or farewell. The phrase "getting lei'd" refers both to the literal act of having a lei placed around your neck, as well as the figurative meaning of finding intimacy or sexual relations while visiting Hawaii.

The Tradition of the Lei

There are many legends about the origins of the traditional Hawaiian lei. One story credits a man named Lei making the first lei from leaves and giving them to relatives to spread aloha. Another attributes the lei to a woman named Hawaiiloa, who gave one to her husband before his journey which led him to discover the Hawaiian islands. However they were first created, lei hold an important cultural role in Hawaii.

Lei are most often made from local natural materials like flowers, leaves, berries, shells or nuts. Some of the most common types are made with plumeria, orchid, ilima, maile, or pikake. Part of the skill in crafting lei comes from weaving the materials together in a way that showcases their beauty while remaining sturdy enough to wear. Lei makers may spend hours choosing materials, stringing, and fastening each lei by hand.

The Giving and Receiving of Lei

There are protocols around who gives and receives lei in Hawaii. Locals see the exchange of a lei as a meaningful cultural practice, not just something you buy from a kiosk at the airport.

Lei are commonly given at major life events to honor others and share aloha. Graduates may wear lei woven by their loved ones at commencement. Couples exchange lei at weddings. Honored guests receive lei upon their arrival or departure from the islands. Even corpses may be adorned with lei made of durable materials like shells or nuts as part of funeral rights.

When you receive a lei, it is polite to accept it using both hands to lift it over your head and place it around your neck. This shows respect for the time and care put into its creation. You should wear the lei for the duration of the event or occasion you received it at to express gratitude. Removing a lei immediately or tossing it aside is considered rude.

Getting Lei'd in the Amorous Sense

"Getting lei'd" is a cheeky Hawaiian slang term with a double meaning. For visitors to Hawaii, especially honeymooners, one goal of their trip may be literally getting lei'd in the traditional sense of having a loved one place a floral lei over their head upon arrival. However, it also refers to finding intimacy or having sex while in Hawaii. For many tourists, hookups and romances with locals or fellow visitors are seen as part of the fantasy of an island vacation.

Newlyweds are almost sure to get lei'd in both senses on their Hawaiian honeymoon. Couples may even arrange symbolic lei ceremonies on the beach around their vow renewals or island weddings. For singles looking for a vacation fling, Hawaii's relaxed sensuality provides the perfect atmosphere and opportunity to get lei'd.

Where to Get Lei'd

If you're hoping to get lei'd on your Hawaiian vacation, here are some tips:

• Stay in a romantic spot like a resort on the Kohala Coast on the Big Island, Wailea on Maui or Poipu on Kauai
• Arrange for a lei greeting at the airport or your hotel
• Take a lei making class or watch locals craft lei at places like the Royal Hawaiian Center in Waikiki
• Explore euphemistically named makeout spots like Spitting Caves on Oahu
• Meet locals and fellow travelers at bars with a flirty vibe like the Hideout at the Ala Moana Hotel
• Dance the night away at clubs playing Hawaiian music in Waikiki
• Splurge on a sunset couples massage on the beach
• Spend your days lounging on the sand working on your tan lines

Getting lei'd may be on your Hawaiian bucket list, but be respectful. Avoid glorifying offensive stereotypes of "loose" island men and women. Approach new acquaintances with an open mind and heart instead of treating locals like exotic conquests. With the right perspective, you're sure to enjoy both kinds of lei during your Hawaiian escape.

FAQs

What are Hawaiian lei?

Lei are flower garlands that are an important part of Hawaiian culture. They are given to show love, respect, congratulations and more. Common lei are made from plumeria, orchid, ilima and other local flowers and plants.

Why do people want to "get lei'd" in Hawaii?

"Getting lei'd" refers to both being gifted with a lei necklace and finding romantic intimacy while visiting Hawaii. The islands are seen as a sensual destination where vacation flings are common.

What's the proper way to receive a lei?

When someone places a lei over your head, you should accept it using both hands and place it around your neck. Wear it for the duration of the occasion to show respect for the giver. Throwing it aside is very rude.

Where are the most romantic spots to get lei'd?

Try a resort on the Kohala Coast on Big Island, Wailea on Maui or Poipu on Kauai. Take a lei making class, visit makeout spots like Spitting Caves, or meet people at bars in Waikiki. End the night dancing to Hawaiian music.

How can I be respectful pursuing island romance?

Avoid treating locals like exotic conquests. Approach new acquaintances with an open mind and heart. Getting lei'd should be an intimate, meaningful cultural exchange.