Etiquette: Don’t Remove Your Lei

Upon stepping off your plane into the tropical open-air terminals of Hawaii, you may receive a lei as a welcoming gesture. Leis hold significant cultural importance in Hawaii.

While they once denoted social status, they are primarily used for celebrations today. It is considered impolite to decline this beautiful adornment if someone offers it to you. Furthermore, removing the lei is considered disrespectful as long as the giver is in your presence. Instead of wearing it like a necklace, it should be draped over your shoulders and hung gracefully on either side.

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