
May day History in Puna, Hawaii #WeArePuna #AlohaActivism #AlohaOlaOKaPono
- Jasmine Steiner
- May 1, 2023
- 4 min read

Aloha and welcome back to the Blog, " Aloha Activism ; Aloha Ola O Ka Pono " , a sector of KahuPuna dedicated to community activism in the Lower East Rift Zone (LERZ) , Puna, Hawaii . Today we are taking a look back into Puna may day History. As well as listing a few may day events around Puna . Please read to the end ! Aloha xo

I've created a summary here for you of May Day and it's history here in our area of Puna, Hawaii . Anything I've missed , that should be within this timeline , please semd to me wearepuna@gmail.com or comment on this article ❤️ (again, this is just a summary, I would love to add any events into it , please leave a comment below on what I should add from late 1800's to now regarding May Day in Puna ❤️❤️❤️)
Here's what wiki states about it (please know, as a subject of the hawaiian kingdom , birn and raised in Puna , Hawaii, i can promise you it's better to ask any HAWAIIAN about their culture and traditions, and not to rely on wiki, but I am using this as a general description as to what outsiders see it as -- (see image below)

As we say around here , k shoots den! We go, cheeeeehuuuuuu!!!
May Day in Puna, Hawaii has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. It was originally celebrated as a way to honor the arrival of spring and the blooming of the flowers. The first May Day celebration in Puna was held in 1901 (see italics below) and was organized by the local school.
----In 1901, Puna Hawaii's first school celebrated May Day, Keaukaha school . It was a significant event, as it marked the beginning of a tradition that has continued for over a century. The school's students and teachers came together to create a festive atmosphere, complete with music, dancing, and flower crowns. The celebration was a reflection of the community's deep appreciation for nature and the changing seasons.
Today, May Day is still celebrated in Puna Hawaii, and the tradition remains an important part of the town's cultural heritage.
For example , May Day is a significant celebration in Puna, Hawaii. The day is marked by various traditions that have been passed down through generations. One of the most notable traditions is the May Day Lei Day Festival. This festival is a celebration of the Hawaiian culture and is marked by the giving and receiving of leis. The festival also features hula dancing, music, and food.
Another tradition that is observed during May Day in Puna is the May Day Court. The court is made up of individuals who are chosen to represent the community. The members of the court are typically chosen based on their contributions to the community. The court participates in various events throughout the day, including the Lei Day Festival.
Finally, May Day in Puna is also marked by the crowning of the May Day Queen. The queen is chosen based on her contributions to the community and her embodiment of the Hawaiian spirit. The crowning of the queen is a significant event and is marked by a ceremony that includes hula dancing and music.
Overall, May Day is an important celebration in Puna, Hawaii. The day is marked by various traditions that celebrate the Hawaiian culture and community.
From the May Day Lei Day Festival to the crowning of the May Day Queen, the traditions of May Day in Puna are a testament to the rich history and culture of the Hawaiian people.
Over the years, May Day in Puna has evolved into a celebration of Hawaiian culture and traditions. The event typically includes hula performances, lei making, and other cultural activities.
It is a time for the community to come together and celebrate their heritage.
Today, May Day in Puna is still celebrated annually and is a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. It is a reminder of the rich history and culture of Hawaii and the importance of honoring and preserving it for future generations.
Today there is a beautiful event ✨️ here is what the site says "E komo mai! May Day is Lei Day in Hawai'i ? Come celebrate lei culture on May 1st in beautiful downtown Hilo, featuring live Hawaiian music, hula halau, lei making demonstrations, and more! No vendors or food trucks. Please bring your own chairs, mats, and snacks... natural shade provided by the wonderful big old trees. FREE to the public." You can see it here -https://allevents.in/hilo/hilo-lei-day-festival-2023/200024382445325
There's only a couple events I'm seeing (see image below) But will do some more research and update the article later today with more events I find in Puna .

May day is something that is in our blood if we are born and raised in Puna . We love the festivities, the connections and the LOVE that fills the air . We all have shared experiences of prepping for months in school for May Day performances, and we all cried the same proud tears watching our keiki do the same performances ❤️
Its such a beautiful life, truly, in Puna, Hawaiian Kingdom . And we need your help to raise awareness for our threatened communities .
Mahalo for stopping by today
Aloha
Jazzy
Kahupuna
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