If you'll be wearing a lei, know what's out of style
By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor
• The "patriotic" lei of red, white and blue (dyed) dendrobium, a hot item after the events of Sept. 11, is so "yesterday." So plan your May Day wear in other hues.
• Double carnation lei continue to be associated with politicians — and hula dancers. Unless you're seeking office, or dancing in a pageant, avoid this one. Exception: Graduation time, it's retro cool.
• Ti leaf lei continue to take on a vigorous burst of creativity but they're no longer "new." Some braided variety have taken on remarkable shapes, lengths and girth, with rosettes and fancy other adornments. Particularly beautiful: golden-brown lei made with aged leaves. Ti leaf lei are freezable — meaning you can defrost and reuse for a late May or June outing.
• Plumeria, the "graveyard" flower because it flourishes among the tombstones, has never lost its popularity, particularly with hula halau. Ey, and it's free if you make it yourself!
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May Day events full of song, lei
• May Day concert with the Brothers Cazimero, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday (gates open 5:30 p.m. for picnicking), Waikiki Shell. Reserved seats sold out; $15 grass seating still available. 526-4400. Also: The Caz play Maui 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Castle Theater, Maui Arts & Cultural Center. Tickets: $10-$28; half price for children 12 and younger; (808) 242-SHOW.
• First Lei Day Lu'au, presented by the Hawaiian Island Chefs, food stations, entertainment, 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Mauna Kea Ballroom, Hawai'i Prince Hotel. Tickets: $75; 956-1111, Ext. 4022.
• City lei contest (theme "Pulama I Ka Lei"), 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday (entries due 7:30-9 a.m.; winning lei on view till 6 p.m.). Kapi'olani Park bandstand. Information: 692-5118.
• Lei Aloha's Lei Contest, Ward Warehouse Amphitheatre; Temari-sponsored make-on-site contest for adults, youths (13-18) and keiki (5-12). Information: 591-8411, 735-1860.
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