Lei Day contests; many entertainers also make appearances for the Lei Day celebration in Honolulu. On Hawaii Island, the"Big Island" of Hawaii, the annual Hilo Lei Day Festival features live music, Hula dancing, and crafty demonstrations. Also, “special guests” make appearances at numerous festivities; many of the "special guests" are "guest speakers" that speak to audiences about the customs and traditions that are centered on the Hawaiian lei. There are, also, many festivities that are centered on Hawaiian culture, such as many various cultural dances, food, and shopping. Many festivals, also, feature numerous types of entertainers: local Hawaiian musical groups and local
Lei (garland) of the decorative material. Sometimes base materials such as "hala", "lai", strands of raffia, or even strips of paper are used to make wrapping easier. Haku mele: to braid a song. A song composed out of affection for an individual is considered a "lei". "Lei" may be open or closed, depending on circumstance. These leis are traditionally constructed using natural foliage. Leis were originally worn by ancient Polynesians and some Asian people as part of custom. They were often used by Native Hawaiians to signify their ranks and royalty. They are also worn as a form of honor to each