May 2026

In Hawai’i we welcome the month of May with Mei Day. A celebration of Hawaiian history, culture, and lots of lei. Growing up in the islands, many are taught the art of lei making including my husband and I. Now we are sharing the craft with our own kids as they learn of their home’s culture both in school and at home.

My favorite part of lei making is how the same flower and plant can be sewn many different ways, so depending on who sews it, the lei is a single creation of the maker. Each lei is made with love and thoughtfulness so please know that when receiving a homemade lei, it truly is a labor of love.

This year, I was invited to an exclusive lei making workshop by my cousin at the Lyon Arboretum in Manoa, HI on May 1st. I felt so special getting to create with many flowers and plants they grow on property. Followed by a lunch with my cousins at Waioli Tea Room. Their lunch hit the spot after a morning of lei making.

Each kid had a performance in their own school’s ho’ike to honor the Hawaiian traditions of mele (song) and hula (dance). Sooooo many lei were made for each special day to wear as well as gift. We used crown flower, puakenikeni, ti leaves, and even added colorful beads to the mix.

May continued to be busy with University of Hawai`i sports, regular season baseball, Mother’s Day, a BTS concert in California for Kendyl, and a couple all-star baseball tournaments.

In one weekend, we got to attend a UH mens volleyball game then a baseball game with my high school friends and their kids. The best part— running the bases after the UH baseball game on Sunday. Such a cool thing to offer the kids attending the game.

We wrapped up Manoa Mariners season with the kids showing so much improvement from the previous seasons. We gifted each player a personalized bag tag paired with a (baseball) fidget and a SlimJim (bat) as an end of the season gift.

On Mother’s Day, i received the most precious homemade gifts from the kids. While my husband gifted my mother in law and I gorgeous one-of-a-kind bouquets from ISLAND BOY SHOP located in Kaimuki, HI. My husband preordered them and the kids helped pick them out. This shop is more than a floral shop, it contains beautiful pieces of art in many forms.

The highlight of the month was our mom + daughter trip to California. It was perfect timing because we got to celebrate my niece’s birthday and have quality family time during our short stay. But the main reason we went was because Nana got Kendyl tickets to see BTS live! It was quite the experience. One we will never forget! Grateful that Kendyl got to experience their amazingness at just 8 years old and in awe of the fan ulture they have created. While Kendyl’s bias is Jimin— mom has one too now, it’s Jin.

Kendyl making the all-star team was a cherry on top. We are so proud of her for getting out of her comfort zone and trying out for the teams. Little did she know she would make the A team. This Manoa team was made up of boys that had all played together before, but the boys, coaches, and families welcomed her with open arms as well as Kolby, who they allowed to be their bat boy. We were exceptional thankful for the love, support, and experience given to our kids and family.