The connection between Las Vegas and Hawaii is well-established, in large part thanks to Vacations-Hawaii, which offers exclusive discounted hotel/airfare packages through its affiliation with the Boyd Gaming family of hotels and casinos. Travelers can choose to stay at Main Street Station, the Fremont, the California, Sam’s Town, and the Stardust. Between 80% and 85% of the guests who stay at the California come from the Aloha State. This hotel markets itself mostly in Hawaii and offers various Hawaiian entrees in several of its restaurants.
The word "lei" basically translates as a garland or wreath. A lei is typically created by one person and given to another for an emotional reason -– usually as a sign of affection. The act of lei-giving became the physical manifestation of the linguistic "aloha" (hello/goodbye) and was popularized through travel to the Hawaiian Islands from the continental U.S. beginning in the 19th century. Leis are most often made of things from nature -– flowers and vines are common, for example, but other materials used include feathers, fabric, paper, and shells.
Turning to the question, it’s true that the Las Vegas Hilo Hattie’s (a store named after Clarissa Haili, a popular entertainer who used the name "Hilo Hattie" throughout the ‘50s & ‘60s, and which first opened on the island of Kauai in 1963), no longer sells fresh-flower leis. Here are some of the locations we found that do sell fresh-flower leis, however:
Fresh-flower leis vary widely in price, style, color, and fragrance, and are subject to the seasonal availability of blossoms. We were quoted prices as low as $7 and as high as $150.
Finally, the best way to care for a lei once you buy it is to keep it in a refrigerator if available. If not, they can be preserved by wrapping them lightly in a damp towel or paper towel and keeping them in a cool airy place.
