By Ethan Chang  — The Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach and the Outrigger Reef on the Beach hosted a variety of activities in celebration of May Day in conjunction with the City and County’s celebration at Kapiolani Park. Guests of the Outrigger Waikiki and the Outrigger Reef learned how to dance hula, make lei, and were treated to special ceremonies by the incoming and outgoing Lei Day Courts.A special ceremony was held in the Lobby of the Outrigger Waikiki to honor the outgoing 2008 Lei Queen and her Court. 2008 Lei Queen Paulette Nohealani Kahalepuna and Lei Princesses Haunani Judd Kauahi, Debra Ku‘ulei Beverly, Dolores Pumelani Camacho, and Ann Javier Tachibana delighted guests with song and hula during the ceremony.

At the Outrigger Reef, the incoming 2009 Lei Day Court greeted guests with a ceremony filled with music and pageantry as they were introduced to the public. Members of the 2009 Lei Day Court include Lei Queen Lauren Kanoelani Chang and Princesses Kalai Kamuoha and Jodie Miyagi.

Every year, the city chooses women in different age groups to enhance the city’s May Day celebrations. To be chosen there are many criteria that must be fulfilled.  The Lei Queen must be knowledgeable in the art of making lei, hula, and the Hawaiian language, and must convey the spirit of Aloha. To be chosen for the Lei Court is a great honor.