Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Maile - Alyxia oliviformis

Mahalo Aloha-Hawaii.com for this information


Maile 

 popular for lei


Lei reserved for memorable occasions
In Hawaii, the placing of a lei over the head and around the shoulders of a person exemplifies the bestowing of honor and respect, and also the spirit of aloha. According to Hawaiian tradition, the maile was the lei for people of all classes and all occasions. The maile is a long lasting lei and probably the oldest and most popular material used in leis by the early Hawaiians. It is an open-ended horseshoe fashion lei made of the spicy scented green maile stems and leaves.
The native Hawaiian vine, with shiny fragrant leaves, is a member of the periwinkle family, and is also associated with Laka, the goddess of Hula. Maile along with other plants of the native forest were considered sacred to Laka, and were offered at her altar at hula dance practices and shows. In ancient Hawaii, the maile was also considered a peace offering in the field of battle.

When It’s Used

The maile is most often reserved for memorable occasions. It is known to many as the “lei of royalty,” given to signify respect and honor. The maile is very popular at weddings, graduations and especially proms. On the US mainland, young men usually receive a boutonniere from their prom dates. In Hawaii, they are presented with a maile lei. Wedding leis are a Hawaiian wedding tradition. The maile is the most traditional wedding lei, as it was used by the Kahuna (Hawaiian priest) in old Hawaii to bind the hands of the bride and groom, symbolizing their commitment to each other.

Maile plants are rare and do not look like much until they are woven together to make a lei

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Made in Hawaii Festival 8/16 thru 8/18


First Hawaiian Bank Presents the 2013 

Made in Hawaii Festival 


A 3-day showcase of "Made in Hawaii" products, including food, books, art, gifts, fashions, plants, crafts, produce and more. Plus cooking demonstrations and ongoing entertainment



WHEN: Friday – Sunday, August 16-18, 2013 Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

WHERE: Neal S. Blaisdell Exhibition Hall and Arena, 777 Ward Avenue, Honolulu, Hawaii

Cost: $4; children six and under free; look for $1.00-off coupons at First Hawaiian Bank's Oahu branches, starting in mid-August (while suplies last)