Identifies Hawaii's seeds, their flowers and plants, including leaves and vines, where each seed comes from, which ones are toxic, and includes photos of the seed leis.

Lei are the very expression of traditional Hawaiian culture and were once an essential part of community and family life. Following in the footsteps of Samuel Kamakau, Abraham Fornander, and others, the authors have collected here a wealth of written and oral information to reveal the significance of making and wearing lei and their role in Hawaiian ritual and dance. This volume covers eighty-five flowers and plants (and another dozen color variations) used in traditional lei construction. They are arranged according to their Hawaiian names and accompanied by botanical information and descriptions gleaned from legends and chants that illustrate the cultural uses and special meanings of lei prior to Western contact. Many are introduced by poems written especially for this work by master kumu hula, linguist, and ethnologist Pualani Kanakaole Kanahele. The authors present the lei art form in not only words, but also pictures. Lavish color photographs by Jean Coté showcase each plant and lei (shown by itself or worn), as well as places throughout the Islands associated with specific flowers and plants. An appendix includes a complete list of lei plants, basic instructions for their propagation, and other sources for material.

Lei expert Marie McDonald's history of the lei in Hawai'i is an entertaining and informative mix of personal narrative, history, and song.

"The explicit how-to instructions will be appreciated by any who would learn details on lei making: photos are clear, steps are thoroughly explained, and lei making is revealed from its simplest designs through the more complex blossom choices and lei skills." --Midwest Book Review

Lots of color photos of Hawaiian flowers made into wili-style haku lei and worn by local Kauai people. Plant descriptions, instructions on how to make a haku and photographed glossary of Hawaiian plants used. A delightful glimpse into Kauai island- style living through the eyes of a photographer and a lei maker.

Discusses the history of the traditional Hawaiian necklaces made of seashells and explains how the necklaces are made.