Learn Lei-Making on May Day at Volcano Art Center

Photo courtesy of Volcano Art Center.

Join Volcano Art Center (VAC) to celebrate May Day on Monday, May 1, with hands-on lei making demonstrations from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Gallery porch.

Master lei makers Randy Lee, Kaipo AhChong and Dana Castro will be present during this free event. VAC will provide flowers and plant materials. Learn how to create leis, and how to give and receive them according to tradition.

Wes Awana and friends will perform live music during the festivities, with hula dancing by Noe Noe Kekaualua. Awana is a popular local Hawaiian musician and ʻukelele teacher. Kekaualua is a Hilo-born hula dancer who began studying hula at the age of four. She has travelled around the world sharing her passion.

Master lei maker Randy Lee gathers fresh ferns, leaves and flowers from the rain forests of Panaʻewa to fashion his leis. Well-respected practitioner Dana Castro creates meticulous leis and adornments–his work speaks for itself. Tropical agriculture farmer Kaipo AhChong is an expert lei-maker who will also share his skills, bringing his unique perspective that marries the science of agriculture and Hawaiian tradition.

The VAC May Day event is free to attend. Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park entrance fees do apply.

For more information, visit www.volcanoartcenter.org or call (808) 987-8222.

May Day is an annual celebration honoring Hawaiʻi’s cultural diversity through craft and festivities, weaving multiple traditions together to create a seamless whole.