The Lei’d Collection – Ho‘olei
The Lei’d Collection is our way of ho‘olei — to place a lei upon oneself or another — a gesture of connection, gratitude, and shared purpose. Each piece in this collection is inspired by the plants that surround our home at Leeward Kai and the stories they carry: kauna‘oa, he‘e, and lā‘ī. Together, they form a lei that represents who we are as a fleet, a community, and a collective.
The Plants That Shape Our Story
- Kauna‘oa – Found along the sandy stretch where our ‘auwa‘a rest, kauna‘oa symbolizes the bond between land and sea. Its vine-like nature represents connection — the way our fleet, our families, and our supporters are intertwined.
- He‘e – The he‘e tree that stands at our practice site marks our place, our identity, and our kuleana. It is a reminder of resilience, adaptability, and the strength to hold fast in shifting tides.
- Lā‘ī (Ti Leaf) – A symbol of protection, blessing, and good fortune. Lā‘ī is essential in lei-making and deeply rooted in Hawaiian and canoe culture. It brings the collection together with intention and aloha.
Why These Plants, Why This Collection
These three elements are not just designs — they are the living symbols of Leeward Kai. They represent our home, our history, and the values we carry into every practice, every race, and every gathering. By weaving them into the Lei’d Collection, we honor the land that holds us and the people who support us.
Wearing the Lei’d Collection
When someone wears a piece from this collection, they are accepting a lei from us — a gesture of gratitude for standing with our mission. And in choosing to wear it, they ho‘olei in return, showing their support for the cause, the culture, and the community we serve.
This is more than apparel.
It is a lei of connection, pride, and purpose — worn by those who carry our story forward
