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Nā Lei o Hawai`i
Glossary
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haku - three-ply braid. A method of making a lei by using a base material, such as soft la`i, and braiding it while adding the decorative plant material into each wrap of the braid. Lei laukukui and lei laua`e are typically made with this method.

hili - braid or plait. A method of making a lei by braiding together only one kind of material. Lei palapalai and lei kauna`oa often are made using this style.

hilo - twist, double helix, intertwine. A method of making a lei by twisting two strands together to form a rope. The popular and simple lei la`i (ti leaf lei) is made using this method. It also is another method of making the lei kauna`oa.

hipu`u - a method of making a lei by knotting the stems of the decorative plant material and stringing the next stem through the knot. It requires a very long stem on the decorative material. Some lei laukukui and lei laupohuehue are made with this method. (Same as nipu`u)

humu, humuhumu - sew to a backing, basting stitch. A method of making a lei by sewing the decorative material to a backing such as lauhala, paper, or felt. Lei bouganvilla and feather hat lei often are made with this method.

kui - pierce, piercing stitch. A method of making a lei by sewing or piercing the decorative material with a needle and stringing it onto a thread.

la`i - leaf of the ti plant.

lei papale - any lei worn on a hat.

lei po`o - any lei worn on the head.

nipu`u - a method of making a lei by knotting the stems of the plant material. (See hipu`u)

papale - hat.

po`o - head.

wili - wind, twist, crank, coil. A corkscrew-type twist - as found in Porky Pig's tail and the seed pod of the wili-wili. A method of making a lei by winding a string around successive short lengths of the decorative material. Sometimes a base material such as lauhala, a thick raffia braid, etc. is used to make wrapping easier.

Wearing lei la`i.