Across Hawaii, celebrations of May Day are deeply tied to the art of making and presenting flower lei. Despite Hawaii’s deep cultural ties to lei, India actually holds the current record for longest fresh flower lei –– who would have guessed?
In an effort to unofficially reclaim the record for Hawaii – and minimize large gatherings on May Day – The City and County of Honolulu held a virtual lei celebration. They encouraged individuals and families to make their own lei, sending in a photo with the lei length to be added to the island-wide tally in hopes of unofficially beat India’s 2012 3.11-mile record.
At Teaching & Learning Centers, participants excitedly joined in the celebration, creating a 14.5-ft lei that featured all their favorite snacks. From chips to gummies, their lei was as delicious as it was beautiful!
“Participants were excited to be participating in something that was for all of the state,” says Liezl, manager at Teaching & Learning Centers. “They were excited in general, hoping it was to help break the world record.”
While the island-wide virtual Na Lei Koa – or Warrior Lei, in honor of frontline workers – only measured 1.516 miles, a tad short of the record-breaking goal, our participants had a lot of fun!
Perhaps next year, Hawaii will be able to take back the prize – and our participants will get another chance to join in the celebration!
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A program of Lanakila Disability Services, Teaching & Learning Centers has been providing classes for individuals with disabilities since 1953. Learning everything from personal care to introductory money management, participants are given the tools to achieve personal goals, thanks to the support of those who share our belief in building independence.
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