With more than three dozen Hawai'i high schools holding commencement ceremonies this weekend, lei shops are gearing up for the rush — and if you want that special garland, shop early.
That's the advice of Tony Nguyen, manager of Lin's Lei Shop on Maunakea Street in Chinatown. He said lei last for two to three days.
His and other shops on Maunakea Street were well stocked yesterday with colorful strands of orchids, carnations, tuberose and ginger lei. Even the rare pkake, pakalana and maile were available, but the supply of flowers is down, placing more pressure on shops to fill graduation season needs.
"It's hard all around because demand is high and it's hard to get flowers," Nguyen said. "We're not taking orders, especially for this weekend. It's too busy to manage orders. It's first-come, first-served."
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