Where to Buy a Lei Po’o on Oahu: 7 Local Florists My Clients Love
Where to Buy a Lei Po’o on Oahu: 7 Local Florists My Clients Love
Planning a photoshoot and wondering where to buy a lei po’o on Oahu? You’re asking the right question — a lei po’o (flower crown) adds a vibrant, natural element to your photos, and it carries real meaning: in Hawaiian culture, lei are a symbol of aloha, honor, and celebration. As a Native Hawaiian photographer, it’s one of my favorite ways clients can weave the spirit of Hawaii into their session — and it’s also the secret weapon against windy beach hair.
Below are the lei makers and florists my clients have used and loved, organized by where you’ll find them around the island. Many deliver, so don’t hesitate to reach out even if they’re not right where you’re staying. All vendors verified as of July 2026.
Honolulu & Waikiki
Eco Mindful Lei — Gina creates fully compostable lei po’o (no plastic, wire, or tape) using locally sourced flowers, with pickup in Waikiki. Order at least 10 days ahead — her lei are made to order. She also hosts lei po’o–making workshops on Waikiki Beach, which make a beautiful pre-session family activity. → ecomindfullei.com
Cindy’s Lei Shoppe — A Chinatown institution with a full selection of lei po’o and haku, curbside pickup (they’ll bring your order right out to your car), and shipping to the mainland. Their Glamour Haku is a client favorite. → cindysleishoppe.com
Haumea Designs — Arleen makes gorgeous custom lei on O’ahu and ships to the mainland. She’s one of my preferred vendors, and her work photographs beautifully. She is located in Mililani, Oahu→ haumeadesigns.com
Kailua, Kaneohe & the Windward side
Picket Fence Florist — A Kailua favorite since 1974 with a dedicated lei selection and delivery on the Windward side. → picketfenceflorist.net
Florals by Lalaine — Beautiful lei po’o made to order in Kaneohe; send her a DM to order or inquire. → @leipo.o_by_lalaine
Ko Olina & Kapolei
Lei By Makanamai — Customizable lei, lei po’o, and hair clips made in the Kapolei/Ewa Beach area, just minutes from the Ko Olina resorts. Note: small lei makers sometimes pause custom orders when they’re booked out, so reach out early to check availability for your dates. → @lei_by_makanamai
What to ask for (my photographer’s cheat sheet)
When you inquire, share the colors your family is wearing — your lei maker will build around your palette. My go-to recipe: ti leaves as the base (woven in between the flowers) with a mix of blooms like orchids, which look beautiful and hold up well through a beach session. Feel free to share my website with your lei maker so they can see my style and recommend something that fits.
One tip clients thank me for: ask them to keep the greenery short in the front, so leaves don’t fall in front of your eyes when you turn to the side or tilt your head down — it shows up in more photos than you’d think.
And order early: lei po’o are made fresh to order, and most makers need anywhere from a few days to two weeks of notice.
Lei po’o questions I hear all the time
How much does a lei po’o cost on Oahu? Expect roughly $60 for keiki (child) sizes up to $100–$150+ for adult custom lei po’o, depending on the maker and the flowers you choose. Delivery, where offered, is usually an added fee.
How far in advance should I order? A safe rule is 1–2 weeks before your session. Some shops can turn orders around faster, but made-to-order lei makers often need 10+ days — and the best ones book out.
Will my lei po’o last through the photo session? Yes — a fresh lei po’o holds up beautifully through a sunrise session. Keep it refrigerated until you head out, and it can last several days; Cindy’s Lei Shoppe, for example, notes a 3–4 day shelf life when refrigerated.
Can the whole family wear one? Absolutely — lei po’o on mama and the kids in coordinating colors is one of my favorite looks, and several makers on this list offer keiki sizes.
Ready to put it all together?
Incorporating a lei po’o into your Oahu family, maternity, or couples photoshoot is a wonderful way to infuse your images with the spirit of Hawaii and pay homage to its rich cultural heritage. If you’re looking for a photographer who knows exactly how to showcase your lei po’o against the beauty of Oahu — I’d love to hear from you.
Inquire about a family, maternity, or couples photoshoot on Oahu → CLICK HERE
