Around the world May 1st may be known as a holiday called May Day, but since 1928 when writer and poet Don Blanding suggested a holiday be created specifically around the Hawaiian custom and culture of lei making, May 1st has been known as Lei Day in Hawaii.

This upcoming May 1st will be no different when everyone in Hawaii is encouraged to wear a lei and events will be held all throughout Hawaii during Lei Day. If your visiting Hawaii on May 1st you’ll be able to experience this uniquely Hawaiian holiday first hand when you notice top executives in Hawaii’s corporations, politicians, workers in the hospitality and tourism industry, as well as everyday people wearing leis to celebrate Lei Day. In addition, there will be numerous events throughout the Hawaiian islands like lei-making contests, festivals, and converts.

One popular event on the island of Oahu for Lei Day is the 2009 Waikiki Lei Day celebration which is held in Kapi’olani Park. During the Waikiki Lei Day celebration there will be contests, exhibits, workshops and a crowning of a Lei Day Queen. So if you have some time and your on the island of Oahu we suggest you drop by Kapiolani Park for some fun-filled events and activities.

Remember, “May Day is Lei Day” in Hawaii!

Tags: hawaii lei, hawaiian lei, lei, lei day, lei making

Last month was the final month in which the Hawaii Superferry was in service due to a Hawaii Supreme Court ruling which prohibited the Alakai, the actual name of the ship, from continuing service.  The ruling which suspended services stated that the Hawaii State government allowed the Superferry to operate without doing an assessment on it’s environmental impact, which was unconstitutional.

The Hawaii Superferry started service in August 2007, providing passenger and vehicle transportation between the islands of Hawaii.  Because of protests and legal issues on Maui and Kauai service was only provided between Honolulu Harbor on Oahu and Kahului Harbor on Maui.  It seems like there were so many roadblocks from the beginning, and it doesn’t look like the inter-island transportation service will be back anytime soon.

So say goodbye to the Hawaii Superferry…

Tags: alakai, hawaii superferry, huakai

Welcome to Hawaii 1st’s blog!  Our blog will focus on travel, vacation, and lifestyle topics about the islands of Hawaii;  providing useful information for people planning a vacation to Hawaii or for people just interested in reading interesting posts about Hawaii.  We hope you’ll find this blog useful, and a great place to find insightful information about the beautiful islands of Hawaii!