Westin Maui Attempts Guinness Record with Longest Lei Exchange

Nine handcrafted leis designed in celebration of May Day. Each will be unveiled on Aloha Friday, April 21.

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa celebrates Lei Day with a host of festivities, including “The Longest Lei Exchange in Kāʻanapli.”

The resort will attempt to gain entry into the Guinness Book of Records, with 500 individuals targeted to be in attendance.

Resort representatives say the significance of presenting a lei speaks to the authenticity and practice of Hawaiians in celebrating an occasion.

“Known as the spirit of Aloha, the lei exchange by two persons symbolizes the love, respect and friendship shared between them – whether they are family members, couples or friends,” resort representatives said.

PC: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

Pamakane Lopes of Ocean Dreamer Florals has designed nine special leis, meant to highlight the diversity of Maui’s scenic settings and experiences featuring locations such as Haleakalā, Kula, Hāna, Pāʻia, ʻĪao Valley, Makawao, ʻUlupalakua, Honolua Bay and Kāʻanapali.

Images of the leis will be unveiled one per day via the resort’s Facebook and Instagram accounts beginning on Aloha Friday, April 21, and concluding on the event date, May 1st.  The event is open to Westin Maui guests and associates, local residents and island visitors.

Lei Day was established as a holiday in 1929. People commonly celebrate by giving gifts of leis to one another.

Resort associates and family members participate in Westin Maui’s annual May Day & Aloha Week festivals. Seen here (from left): Kafa Grijalva, Corienne Keanini, Melissa Los Banos, Jasmine McCoy and Gresilda Harrison. PC: The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa is also committing $2,500 to benefit the cause of Nā Leo Kalele that supports Kula Kaiapuni O Maui Ma Nāhiʻenaʻena, a Hawaiian language immersion school located within Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena public school in Lahaina, Maui. Considered a school within a school, Kula Kaiapuni O Maui Ma Nāhiʻenaʻena is unique in that it utilizes Hawaiʻi’s indigenous language, culture, perspectives, and practices to implement its curriculum.

For more details on participation and sign-up in the Lei Exchange, visit the resort’s Facebook page. Parking is available at Whalers Village, neighboring The Westin Maui.

The schedule of events are as follows:

Monday, May 1, 2017
7:30 a.m. – Check-in at Aloha Pavilion, The Westin Maui Resort & Spa
8:30 a.m. – Hawaiian Blessing Ceremony with Oli Chant & Hula
8:45 a.m. – Participants begin lining up on the beachwalk side fronting Westin Maui
9 a.m. – Lei Exchange begins
9:30 a.m. – Craft Fair & Aloha Lei Day Activities at Aloha Pavilion