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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, May 1, 2010

In full flower


By Zenaida Serrano

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser
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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

From left, Lei Day's Princess Marie Keaokulakamalukukui Paresa, Lei Queen Jamie Kaohulani Detwiler and First Princess Lauri-Ann Kawehilani Kaui Quihano.

Minako Ishii Kent, Beyond Borders Images

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Children learn to play with the kukui hu (kukui nut spinning top).

Photo courtesy Kuni Nakai

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It's May Day and Lei Day in Hawai'i. Enjoy this local tradition at the city parks department's 83rd annual Lei Day Celebration, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. today in Kapi'olani Park.

"We're excited that it's on a weekend," said Ka'iulani Kauahi, culture and arts coordinator in the city Department of Parks and Recreation. It's been several years since Lei Day has fallen on a Saturday.

"You don't have to work, so you can come down," Kauahi quipped. "It's just a really good family day and family event."

Highlights include:

• A lei contest exhibit, 12:30 to 5:30 p.m., with scores of lei on display.

• Tūtū's Hale, 1 to 5 p.m., when mo'opuna (grandchildren) and all else are welcome to hear stories, learn a song and hula, make a lei, and weave lauhala.

• A ho'olaule'a, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with Hawaiian craft exhibits and demonstrations, and craft, lei and food vendors.

There will be entertainment throughout the day by the Royal Hawaiian Band, Kapena, Maunalua, Kolohe Kai, Nesian N.I.N.E. and more.

The Lei Day festivities continue Sunday, when lei will be placed at the royal mausoleum Mauna 'Ala at 9 a.m., and at Lunalilo's Tomb at Kawaiaha'o Church at 10:15 a.m.

All the events are free; 768-3041, www.honoluluparks.com.