About Lei of Aloha
Lei of Aloha for World Peace is a Hawaiian non-profit organization that weaves and offers a mile-long ti leaf lei in an effort to share solidarity during times of tragedy and celebration and to spread the spirit of aloha as part of sacred Hawaiian cultural ceremonies. Founded in 2015, Lei of Aloha for World Peace began after Paris suffered a terrorist bombing. Ron Panzo, Timothy Lara, and founder of the Cynthia Rose Foundation, Sherrie Austin decided to weave a one-mile-long lei and deliver it to Paris to lay at the site of the attack. Youth delegates heading to the 2015 UN Climate Change Conference joined to offer solidarity and condolences to the Paris families.
Since then, the organization has delivered leis to communities affected by tragedy, including Orlando, Florida in the aftermath of the shooting at The Pulse nightclub, Parkland, Florida, Christchurch, New Zealand, Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, Uvalde, Texas and Nashville, Tennessee. A lei was also created to promote caring for the earth and to honor the return of Hawaiian outrigger, Hōkūleʻa. This Polynesian double-hulled voyaging canoe went on a three-year, world-wide voyage to 150 ports, 18 nations, and eight of UNESCO’s Marine World Heritage sites.
Lei of Aloha for World Peace weaved lei for the esteemed 2023 Kamehameha Day Parade - Nā Kamehameha Commemorative Pā'ū Parade and Ho'olaule'a. It was a joyous occasion in Lahaina, where our float proudly represented love and unity and the shared commitment to the theme: "E ala e nā kini o ka 'āina!" - Arise all people of the land!
However, it is with great sadness that we share news of the tragic fires that have affected our Lahaina and Kula families. In response, we have woven a two-mile-long lei, which holds immense significance for Maui.
A blessing ceremony was held on October 20th at 3:00 PM at Nalu's South Shore Grill. Now, join us on November 5th at 12:00 PM at Hanakaʻoʻo Beach Park as we come together to deliver the two-mile-long Lei of Aloha for Maui. The Lei, infused with collective prayers and aloha from thousands of people across the entire island, will be delivered to the ohana from Lahaina and Kula. May it serve as a symbol of hope and strength during these challenging times. See you at Hanakaʻoʻo Beach Park on November 5th to share in this meaningful event.
In addition to creating ti leaf leis, Lei of Aloha for World Peace partners with various organizations such as Toy Parade, Inc., World Central Kitchen, Save the Children, and Catholic Relief Services to support charitable events. They have recently partnered with a local benefit on Maui to raise funds to help refugees from Ukraine and neighboring countries.
