Throwing your lei in the garbage is disrespectful! A lei is a gift symbolizing love and friendship, so it should be respected. Traditionally, you’re supposed to return it to the earth. You’ll find lots of leis hung in trees or placed on statues around Honolulu because the visitors are encouraged to leave their lei somewhere they felt a connection to the island. You can also remove the flowers from the string and burn them or scatter them in the ocean.