Out of Print, Excellent Condition: Beloved Lei - Na Lei Makamae

Published October 1, 2009
Format/Pages: A4 variant, 192 pages
Authors: Marie A. McDonald, Paul R. Weissich; Translator: Ayumi Maruko

This book covers 88 types of flowers and plants used in traditional lei (plus numerous variations). Classified by their Hawaiian names, it provides not only botanical information but also introduces the legends and chants associated with each, explaining how each plant was used and its special meaning before the arrival of Western culture. Most of the chants were specially written for this book by Pualani Kanakaʻole Kanahele, a great kumu hula, linguist, and folklorist.

The book introduces lei, which are works of art, not only in text but also with photographs. It makes extensive use of color photographs by Jean Coté, introducing each flower and plant, examples of their use, and photographs of the deep green land where specific flowers and plants grow. Many of these are becoming less common in the wild. To protect the Hawaiian flowers and plants that are materials for Nā Lei Makamae (precious lei), the authors encourage lei makers to cultivate the plants themselves.