The lei dates back centuries to the early Polynesian settlers of Hawaii. The most coveted leis were made of feathers and worn exclusively by royalty.

Flower lei are the most iconic, but intricate ribbon and shell lei are equally stunning and long-lasting reminders of Hawaii.

Memorial Day weekend kicked off and Girl Scouts Hawaii flooded Windward Mall to make lei for fallen veterans buried at the cemetery in Kaneohe.

Hawaiians have been proudly carrying on the tradition of lei making for more than 1,000 years. Here's a firsthand look at the process.

With roots in Native Hawaiian culture, a lei is a series of strung-together objects — typically flowers, but also ribbons, candy, or even folded money — often given to honor someone.

More than just a beautiful flower garland, lei links Native Hawaiians to their land and identity. A scholar traces the deeper meaning.

For something a little more permanent, there are ribbon leis, money leis, candy leis and gummy leis, which are especially popular with elementary school graduates, Lua said.

Sisters Maria and Evangeline Morisa of Anchorage have been selling leis, made with Halloween candy, ribbon and cellophane, for graduations since 2001.

HONOLULU (KITV4) – More than a hundred leis were submitted as part of the 95th Lei Day Celebration at the Kapiolani Park on Monday, May 1.