ALOHA
Meleana Estes is a stylist, local Honolulu influencer and lei expert who grew up making the traditional floral garlands with her native Hawaiian grandmother, Tūtū Amelia Ana Kā’opua Bailey, who was famed throughout the state for her intricate and stunning lei. After launching a career in fashion design in New York, Mele returned to her birthplace of Hawaiʻi to immerse herself in modern aloha lifestyle and lei creation. Her work has been featured in publications such as The New York Times, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Town and Country, Sunset Magazine, Elle France and Vogue Japan.
Her first book, Lei Aloha, was published with Penguin Random House’s Ten Speed Press in April 2023.
In 2023, Meleana founded HIE | Heirlooms of Hawai’i, a collection of bespoke gold bracelets honoring the tradition of Hawaiian heirloom jewelry. She continues to wear the bracelets her tūtū gifted to her more than 25 years ago.
The infectious aloha with which Hawaiian’s share lei, hospitality and beauty inspires all of Meleana’s teaching and creations. Head to bookings to engage Meleana for lei making, speaking and other lifestyle engagements.