Flower garlands are synonymous with Hawaii. But the purple orchid lei that adorn the necks of tourists often aren't made in the Aloha State. Instead, they are imported from Thailand.
A non-profit focused on preserving and perpetuating Mele Hawaii has opened a cultural hub filled with pieces of Hawaiian history.
The flowers in that bright-purple lei you may have received on your Hawaii vacation almost certainly weren't grown in the Aloha State.