Lei of Aloha in Kauai

Lei of Aloha on Kaua‘i invites you to spend a Sunday evening before Memorial Day at the Kaua‘i Veterans Cemetery in Hanapēpē, helping sew lei for the next morning’s ceremony. You will join residents and visitors under an outdoor pavilion, turning flowers into floral tributes that will be placed on headstones at Monday’s observance. If you are based on the South Shore or exploring the West Side, this is one of the most direct ways to take part in local tradition.

You can expect a calm, focused workspace with a warm welcome, often alongside community groups such as the Girl Scouts. Your hands will be busy threading and assembling hundreds of lei, and the most striking moment comes as the finished garlands stack up, table after table, ready for dawn. Families are welcome, and children can participate with guidance.

Arrive right at the start time to secure a seat at the sewing tables, since the evening draws many local families. Wear breathable, comfortable clothing suited to an open-air setting, and bring a light jacket since the Hanapēpē breeze can turn cool after sunset. Participation is free, parking is available on the cemetery grounds, and materials are usually provided; if the sewing area fills up, you can still observe and speak with organizers about the history and etiquette of the practice.

Plan for a volunteer-based night focused on service and respect, a quieter counterpoint to holiday weekend plans. For convenient access to Hanapēpē, consider staying in Poipu or Waimea, and if you want to compare regional options across the South Shore, we often start with a quick scan of listings on Lake.com to find a practical home base.