NA LEI

 

Makahala

Three shrubs of the tomato family were called makahala by the Hawaiians and all three were used in leis.  A native of Guatamala, it was introduced prior to 1871.  It grows well in cool Nu'uanu Valley, Kula, Maui, Kona mauka, Waiohinu, and Waimea, Hawai'i.  The golden orange, inch long blossoms are snipped in half.  The base ends of the tubular flowers are cast aside while the remaining parts are strung longitudinally through the centers.  About one hundred flowers made a strand.  Six or more strands were twisted together in a rope for the neck.  Sometimes the flowers are pierced laterally through the tubes and arranged as a lei poepoe.

Reference: Ka Lei, The Leis of Hawaii by Marie A. McDonald

 
 

NA LEI

 

Makahala

Three shrubs of the tomato family were called makahala by the Hawaiians and all three were used in leis.  A native of Guatamala, it was introduced prior to 1871.  It grows well in cool Nu'uanu Valley, Kula, Maui, Kona mauka, Waiohinu, and Waimea, Hawai'i.  The golden orange, inch long blossoms are snipped in half.  The base ends of the tubular flowers are cast aside while the remaining parts are strung longitudinally through the centers.  About one hundred flowers made a strand.  Six or more strands were twisted together in a rope for the neck.  Sometimes the flowers are pierced laterally through the tubes and arranged as a lei poepoe.

Reference: Ka Lei, The Leis of Hawaii by Marie A. McDonald