Graduation Lei Guide
Choosing the Right Lei for the Big Day
Graduation is a proud moment—filled with celebration, family, and fresh flower leis. At Harvard-Westlake Ohana, we offer a select range of leis that represent love, recognition, and tradition.
What You’ll Find:
- Types of Leis We Offer
- Choosing the Right Lei or Haku
- Lei Favorites and Graduation Traditions
- Lei Etiquette
- Ordering, Shipping, and Pickup Info
- Refund & Substitution Policies
- Optional Participation
Types of Leis We Offer
We focus on styles that look great and hold up well:
- Orchid Leis – A classic choice, available in a variety of colors.
- Carnation Leis – Full, colorful, and long-wearing.
- Cigar Leis – Popular with male graduates and athletes.
- Ti Leaf Leis – Braided and known to bring good luck.
- Haku Lei (Head Lei) – Our signature multi-color floral crown, worn around the head.
Choosing the Right Lei or Haku
- Classic: Orchid leis for timeless beauty.
- Bold: Carnation leis for bright color.
- Clean and Simple: Ti leaf or cigar leis.
- Festive: Multi-color haku lei for a head-turning touch.
Lei Favorites
Orchid leis are chosen for their ability to hold up in the heat. Red carnation leis are commonly worn by students and family members for their beautiful color and bold look.
Giving and Wearing a Lei
- Leis are placed around the neck with a kiss on the cheek.
- Graduates often wear several leis.
- They can be removed if they get too warm or heavy.
- All leis are free of tuberose and other heavily scented flowers.
Ordering, Shipping, and Pickup Info
- Order Early: Supplies are limited.
- Pickup: Leis will be available on campus the day before graduation, after rehearsal. Details will be emailed.
- Shipping: Leis are packaged with care and shipped from Hawaii to help preserve freshness.
Refund Policy
Leis are prepared fresh on the day of mailing. They’re carefully handled and packaged to help keep them fresh during transit. Since flowers are perishable, we offer a limited return policy:
- Any issue must be reported within 48 hours of receiving the package in order to receive credit for specific item(s).
Substitutions
Due to seasonal changes and weather, certain items may not always be available. If we need to substitute your order:
- We will try to contact you first.
- We’ll use a comparable or higher-value item at no extra cost—unless you specify otherwise at checkout.
Optional Participation
Purchasing a lei is completely optional. Most students choose to wear one or include a draped ribbon with their gown. For reference, only a handful of students (less than five) chose not to wear a lei or any decoration on top of their graduation attire.
Celebrate your graduate with a lei that says, “You did it.”
Order now at hwohana.com/shop
