Join us for another Talk Story: Monday Moments with the Daughters–a virtual gathering typically held on the last Monday of every month. It’s a time to catch up with one another, explore an interesting topic, and learn more about what makes our organization special and unique!
In Case You Missed It
Creating Lei Aloha, A Book All About Lei!
Explore Hawaiian culture through the art of lei making with flower inspirations and gorgeous photography from stylist, fashion designer, and local island icon Meleana Estes.
Brimming with vibrant photos of the most famous flower garlands of Hawai’i—the lei—in dreamy island settings, Lei Aloha tells the story of the flowers, craftsmanship, and community of lei culture, offering a window into this beautiful world where life is a little slower, flowers are abundant, and personal connections run deep. Local style icon Meleana Estes continues the legacy of her native Hawaiian grandmother, who was well known for her intricate and stunning lei. Sprinkled throughout the book also are anecdotes about the fascinating history of flowers, lei, and island traditions.
Each chapter tells the story of a grouping of flowers and lei, such as plumerias for a sweet gathering of neighborhood keiki, elegant strands of white and yellow ginger for a candle-lit party, or striking lei haku made for hula performances. It’s an easy craft for the homesteader with roots in a full backyard garden or the digital nomad who keeps her possessions in one suitcase and can pick up flowers on her travels. With evocative photos of vintage mu’umu’us, lush tropical gardens, lei-bedecked longboard surfers, striking tablescapes, and graceful hula dancers, Lei Aloha shares a side of the islands that only locals usually get to see. Books will be available for purchase through the Daughters of Hawaiʻi, stay tuned for more information!
About Our Guest Speaker
Meleana is a fresh voice in modern Hawaiian entertaining and fashion, an enthusiastic celebrator of Hawaiian culture and the spirit of Aloha.
Founded by Meleana Estes in 2008, the Meleana brand is informed by her myriad experiences growing up on a banana farm on Kauai, living with her Tutu in Honolulu spending her university years in Boston, Massachusetts and Australia, and later, living in New York City.
At the core of Meleana is her flower artistry, realized through lei- making, botanical table scapes and decor. Meleana learned from her Tutu who was well known throughout Hawaii for her intricate and stunning leis and for the warmth with which she shared them. Meleana continues this legacy, now contributing her work to photo shoots and fashion shows, in addition to teaching the art of lei- making through signature workshops. The infectious aloha with which Hawaiian’s share lei and hospitality inspires all of Meleana’s teaching and creations.
