The sweet scent and beautiful greenery of Maile makes this lei a regal choice. Maile is one of the oldest and most popular lei material used in ancient Hawaii. It was most commonly worn for the worship of the gods of hula and even used as a symbol of peace offering in times of battle. Its leaves are believed to protect the wearer, bestow good luck, and even possess healing powers. This is an open-ended lei which hangs down to the belt line or below. Although beautiful alone, the Maile is commonly entwined with various flowers to add to its splendor. This lei is commonly worn by males for weddings, graduation ceremonies, proms, and special occasions. Also commonly used to drape over a doorway of a grand opening of a business to bring good luck. Long lasting and may be dried.
Please keep in mind that Maile is an imperfect vine. There will be a few leaves that have a patina or tarnished look to it; that is part of the beauty of this lei. Spots are also commonly found on some of the leaves.
Pictured is a polynesian maile. Unfortunately, we are not getting Polynesian maile at this time and using only local maile from Hilo. There is a different look to the Hilo maile - it is viney and leaves are spaced out. But Hilo Maile is revered in Hawaii and has beautiful large leaves with an amazing vanilla-like fragrance. Please look at our Hilo maile before purchasing. (If you would like to have a thick maile, call to order a " Double-Double Hilo Maile" - which is two Hilo Maile's twisted together.)
Note: Due to strict agricultural state laws, we regret to inform you that we cannot ship to California. Please see Ti-Maile for a beautiful alternative.
Care: Refrigerate in sealed plastic bag or container.
Note for May/June: Maile from Hilo is available in limited quantities. Once we reach our permitted picking limit for the season, we are unable to gather more. Our maile is sustainably harvested in the Ka‘ū Forest Reserve at elevations of 3,000–6,000 feet, under a permit issued by the DLNR. If we reach our limit before the season ends, we may substitute with Ti Leaf Maile. By purchasing, you acknowledge and accept this possible substitution without prior notice.
