Aloha!

I am Maile, the creator behind Shore Lei. Mahalo for visiting my site where I share my love of flower and Hawaiian lei artistry with the Orange County community!

Though I was born and raised in Southern California, I am native Hawaiian. My mom was born in Honolulu and raised on the Big Island. She taught us to be proud of our Hawaiian culture. Her father, Uncle Shine known to most, was one of very few 100% Hawaiians. He always encouraged us to know our roots through dance, language and crafts. As kids, he would take us to Ho’olaule’a (Hawaiian Festivals) on the mainland. Often times there were Haku Workshops at the festivals. Even as a young keiki, I remember the wrapping the raffia and table full of flowers.

My flower world really opened up when helping my mom with her floral design business. For decades, our weekends were filled with weddings, showers and party flowers. She even inspired me to take a floral class the local community college. Though I loved everything about fresh flowers but learned the wedding business can be stressful! Lei making is a way for me to do what I love without the pressure of planning a formal event.

The art of lei making has cultivated the love of my culture as well as my creativity. I have a deeper connection to the nature and the environment around me. It is my pleasure to share those ideas with others!