A Complete Guide to Wearing Hawaiian Flowers

PDF download Download Article
What side to wear Hawaiian flowers on & more
PDF download Download Article

Hawaiian flowers, such as plumerias and hibiscus, gives an extra unique touch in fashion. Adding them as accessories to outfits is not difficult at all.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cb\/Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the most traditional method in Hawaii amongst locals. There is, however, meanings of each ear the flower appears on. Women who wear the flower on the right side is signalling that she is single, while a flower on the left means that she's married or in a relationship.
    • Use hair clips or bobby pins to secure the flower in place.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/62\/Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Wear a traditional lei . Mimicking necklaces, this is the most popular and known method in wearing Hawaiian flowers. Leis are an everyday accessory to give and wear in Hawaii instead of reserving them for special occasions. Allow the giver to "lei" you, instead of putting it on yourself.
    • Have caution while wearing backpacks, camera straps, or anything that may damage the flowers or petals.
    • It is out of respect not to remove leis in the presence of the giver.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7b\/Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Like the haku lei, dress your wrists with a bracelet of flowers. Be sure to measure properly before tying the final knot to ensure flexibility and easy removal.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9f\/Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Known as a "haku lei", just about any flower and foliage can be used, such as ferns, plumerias, and orchids. Haku leis sit comfortably on top of one's head, similar to a hat.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/23\/Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Wear-Hawaiian-Flowers-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Just like fruits and vegetables, brown spots and small holes starts to appear on flowers after they have reached their peak of maturity. Try to find a good sized flower to put on -- you don't want a humungous hibiscus flower covering your entire ear.
    6. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    On which side of the head should a married woman wear her flower?
    Community Answer
    A married woman should wear the flower on the left side of her head.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 20
  • Question
    Can a man wear these?
    Craftsmart
    Top Answerer
    Men sometimes wear flowers as a boutonniere for formal occasions. They can also wear a lei just like a woman can. For something more traditionally Hawaiian, men wear leis made with kukui nuts, leaves, or maile.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 9
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • The key to keeping flowers lasting longer is to keep them chilled. Homemade leis should be wrapped, either in plastic bags or containers, and kept in the refrigerator until ready to place on a person. Keep multiple leis separate from one another, as the condensation and aromas from the flowers will mix with one another.
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Dance Hula
      How to
      Make Ribbon Leis
      How to
      Make a Lei
      How to
      Make a Bow with Wired Ribbon
      How to
      Wear a Tiara
      How to
      Create Beaded Hair Barrettes
      How to
      Knit a Headband
      How to
      Crochet a Headband
      How to
      Securely Place a Flower in Your Hair
      Make 3 Types of Flower Crowns for All Occasions
      How to
      Put Hair Rings in Your Hair
      Easy DIY Headbands You Can Sew, Braid, or Glue
      How to
      Put Feathers in Your Hair
      How to
      Make a Flower Hair Clip
      Advertisement

      References

      1. Adapted from Trails.com, http://www.trails.com/how_13030_wear-hawaiian-flowers.html , "How to Wear Hawaiian Flowers"

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 78,119 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Joan Frost

        Feb 23, 2019

        "Had no idea of the different ways to wear flowers. Since I'm going in June, I'm glad I know a little ..." more
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement