Another lei, frequently used, is the maile leaf lei. The lei maile was the lei of all people, all classes, and all occasions, but most especially, it was associated with the worship of the gods of hula. Maile, sweetly perfumed, has many siblings, with different shaped leaves and traditions. In Hawaii legend there once was a greedy maile, a brittle maile, a luxuriant maile, and a sweetly scented maile. They were abandoned in the forest by their angry demi-god brother, because they weren't able to help him in his conquest of a beautiful chiefess.
Most visitors are only aware of the plumeria lei, widely available at airports and hotels.
The plumeria is a relative newcomer in the old tradition. Harder to find is the lei pikake with its unequaled perfume, or the lei of the magnificent red or turquoise jade vine. The ancient Hawaiians excelled in the creation of permanent leis, construed of feathers, ivory, beads, and even teeth. Often, these leis were an emblem of ali'i . Leis in Hawaii are for men, women, and children, of all ages and ranks.