Meleana Estes is a fresh voice in modern Hawaiian entertaining and fashion, an enthusiastic celebrator of Hawaiian culture and the spirit of Aloha. Meleana learned from her Tūtū, former Daughter Amelia Ana Ka‘opua Bailey, who was well known throughout Hawaiʻi 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.

Explore Hawaiian culture through the art of lei making with flower inspirations and gorgeous photography.

Brimming with vibrant photos of the most famous flower garlands of Hawaiʻi—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. Sprinkled throughout the book also are anecdotes about the fascinating history of flowers, lei, and island traditions.

With evocative photos of vintage muʻumuʻus, 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.