Hala
Scientific Name: Pandanus tectorius
Natural Setting / Location: indigenous to the Hawaiian Islands; found in the lower forest areas and along the wetter shorelines
Hala, or pandanus, is found in the lower forest areas and along the wetter shorelines on all main Hawaiian islands except Kaho‘olawe The lei hala is made from the drupes of the hala tree. When the fruit is ripe, but not too soft, the drupes are harvested and cut to form sharp edges, and sewn to make a lei. Between each piece of hala, a lauaʻe fern is placed to add more fragrance and color.
The lei hala is renowned as a favored lei of the goddess Hiʻiaka-i-ka-poli-o-Pele. Legend tells of a kahuna lapa'au, who asked Hi'iaka to help save his sick patient. Hi'iaka, who was wearing a lei hala, replied that she could not help him. It was too late, the patient had passed away.
Today, the lei hala is given to honor the passing of a loved one, to honor someone for a momentous achievement, or to honor the welcoming of a new venture. These themes come from the meaning of the word hala, which is “to pass, for time to elapse”.
