May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii - May Day Ho'ike 2021
Channel: napuahala
Date: 2021-05-02

Written to promote the Lei Celebration first conceived by author, artist and marketing mastermind, Don Blanding. This Mele (Song) is sung annually by school children around the State of Hawaiʻi for May Day Pageants and celebrations. We are excited to present to you the two verses which have become forgotten since the song was originally introduced. Traditionally, only the chorus is sung.

Performed by members of our global Hula ʻOhana at our Lei Day Hōʻike 2021 on Facebook LIVE. Recording and Choreography by Kumu Hula Lauren Kanoelani Chang Williams.

"May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi"
by Leonard "Red" and Ruth Hawk

Land of the flowers, of flow’ry bowers,
In her gay dress she appears
A sweet happy maid, may her dress never fade
As she carries this day through the years

HUI/CHORUS:
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i
Garlands of flowers ev’ry where
All of the colors in the rainbow
Maidens with blossoms in their hair
Flowers that mean we should be happy
Throwing aside our load of care, Oh!
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i
Lei Day is happy day out there.

Land of green mountains, gardens and fountains
Beaches of white shining sand
Where each one I see has a smile just for me
And has ready a welcoming hand.

HUI/CHORUS:
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i
Garlands of flowers ev’ry where
All of the colors in the rainbow
Maidens with blossoms in their hair
Flowers that mean we should be happy
Throwing aside our load of care, Oh!
May Day is Lei Day in Hawai‘i
Lei Day is happy day out there.