• Giving a lei is a celebratory gesture in Hawaiian culture.pineapple and lei image by William Berry from Fotolia.com
  
  Nearly any type of flower could be used to construct a lei. When choosing flowers determine which stringing method is most appropriate for your blossoms and choose flowers with similar shelf lives so that your lei ages consistently. Generally, flowers that are native to the Hawaiian Islands are the traditional choices for lei construction, but after Western contact on the islands in 1778, many introduced varieties became popular choices for leis and remain so today.
  
  

Orchids

• Many of the more traditional Hawaiian leis use orchids as their primary flower. Often a lei is composed of only orchids, a flower that flourishes in the tropical climate of the Hawaiian Islands. Dendrobium orchids create beautiful leis because they are both vibrant and durable and once cut will last for days. Orchids can be an expensive option, particularly for those who must buy imported cut orchids. For a standard-size lei plan to use from 45-to-55 flower blossoms. Dendrobium orchids should be strung using the kui pololei method.
  
  

Plumeria

• For those in search of fragrant leis, plumeria flowers prove a popular choice. Plumeria grows readily in Hawaii and is an affordable option for lei construction. Plumeria blossoms can be white, red, pink, yellow and in some cases will be a blend of these colors. Lei artists enjoy working with plumeria because it provides a variety of sizes to choose from and is easy to string. For a standard-size lei plan to use between 45 and 55 plumeria blossoms. Plumeria should be strung using the kui pololei method.
  
  

Carnations

• Carnations provide an accessible and sturdy option for lei construction. Most florists (and many grocery floral departments) carry carnations at an affordable price year-round. Carnations are popular for leis because they have bright. crisp colors and a spicy fragrance. Some companies spray paint white leis to the color or colors of your choice. Protestant missionaries introduced the carnation to Hawaii in the 1800s, and it has been a favorite lei choice ever since. For a standard-size lei plan to use about 70 flowers. Mist or sprinkle carnation leis with water and keep refrigerated when not in use, and the leis should last for several days. Carnations should be strung using the kui pololei method.