The Mayor’s Grand Prize at this year’s 97th Lei Day Celebration in Honolulu went to Dale Mar T. Acoba. Acoba wowed judges Thursday with his white lei kui made of hypericum and pearl yarrow.

The ancient art of Hawaiian lei-making 05:25. From its golden sun to its turquoise surf, Hawaii can always take your breath away. But it's the colorful leis that may dazzle the most.

Judges inspect lei entries for technique, wearability, and cultural expression during the annual Lei Contest. (Jeremy Yurow/Courthouse News). New to this year's celebration was a special "Meet the ...