ILIMA/MAILE Ilima, Oahu's official flower, comes in several varieties and colors from light yellow to a deep orange-yellow. Making a lei from the delicate flowers of the ilima is truly a labor of love for an honored recipient; it was the favorite lei of Queen Emma. Fragrant maile represents the four mythical maile sisters closely associated with hula.
OVER THE YEARS >> 1971: Aloha Wong, Keolalaulani Hula Studio >> 1972: Aulani Newalu, Halau ‘o Kahealani >> 1973: Kalani Kalawa, Louise Kaleiki Hula Studio >> 1974: Dee Dee Aipolani, Piilani Watkins Hula Studio >> 1975: Leimomi Maria, ’Ilima Hula Studio >> 1976: Ululani Duenas, ’Ilima Hula Studio (pictured) and Sheryl Nalani Guernesy, Kaleo ‘o Nani Loa Studio (tie) >> 1977: Pualani Chang, Pukaikapua‘okalani Studio >> 1978: Regina Makaikai Igarashi, Keolalaulani Hula Studio >> 1979: Jody Imehana Mitchell, Pa‘u O Hi‘iaka >> 1980: Kaula Kamahele, Johnny Lum Ho Hula Studio