On my last visit to Oʻahu, I ended up at a University men’s volleyball game and, before sitting down, was handed a long, slim green leaf. I was told it was a “ti leaf” and I was supposed to use it to cheer for the team.
Now, I will admit that I heard “tea” and not “ti,” which confused me because I was pretty sure that there is no way that you could (or would want to) dry and steep that leaf to make a warm drink. But, since no one else found this strange, I bit my tongue and headed to my seat. It seemed like everyone in the arena had at least one ti leaf in hand that they had peeled to create a pom-pom-like shape that everyone shook at various points during the game — I had never seen anything like it.
What are these leaves, you ask, and why do ti leaves in Hawaii make an appearance at major sports events?
Where do Ti Leaves come from?
Ti leaves come from (you guessed it) a ti plant, known scientifically as Cordyline fruticosa. These plants were originally brought to the islands of Hawaii by Polynesian voyagers, who considered them to have divine power.
They are what’s known as a “canoe plant” — species intentionally transported across the Pacific because of their cultural, spiritual, and practical importance.
Today, ti plants are found all over Hawaii, from private gardens to hotel grounds, and remain deeply woven into everyday Hawaiian life.
What is the meaning of Ti Leaves to Hawaiians?
In traditional Hawaiian culture, ti leaves are considered sacred to Lono, the Hawaiian god of fertility and agriculture, and Laka, the goddess of hula.
The leaves are also used by kahuna (priests) to ward off evil and invite positive energy. They are believed to carry mana, or spiritual power.
Today, many Hawaiians continue to believe that ti plants bring good luck, protection, and positive energy. You’ll often see them planted around homes, businesses, and sacred spaces for this reason.
Why are Ti Leaves used at sporting events in Hawaii?
If you’re wondering why I was handed a ti leaf at a volleyball game, it’s not random.
Over time, ti leaves have become a uniquely local way to cheer at sporting events in Hawaii. The leaves are split and shaken to create a soft, rustling sound — almost like a natural pom-pom.
But beyond practicality (and sustainability), there’s cultural meaning behind it.
Bringing ti leaves into a stadium is, in a way, bringing good luck and positive energy to the team. It’s a modern expression of a deeply rooted tradition — something I didn’t fully appreciate in the moment
How are Ti Leaves used outside of sporting events in Hawaii?
Ti leaves have been used in Hawaiian culture for centuries in ways that are both practical and spiritual. Here are some of their most common uses:
Food and drink (historical use)
The root of the ti plant was traditionally steamed in underground ovens (imu) and then eaten as a sweet or dessert. The root was also often fermented and distilled to make ʻōkolehao, a type of traditional Hawaiian liquor. The leaves themselves are commonly used to wrap food (like laulau) or even used as natural plates.Medicinal use (historical use)
When the leaves are boiled, the water left behind can be used to aid in nerve and muscle relaxation. Ancient Hawaiians also used the leaves as an early form of heating pad — they would wrap the leaf around hot stones, creating a natural hot pack for soothing aches and pains.To ward off evil and bring good luck
It is believed that wearing a ti leaf lei, hula skirt, or necklace can ward off evil. Carrying a single leaf (or using it to cheer on your favourite Hawaiian sports team) is also considered to bring good luck. Many Hawaiians plant ti plants around their homes to invite protection and positive energy. You’ll also notice that many hotels across the islands have ti plants planted on their grounds.For meditation and spiritual practices
Because ti leaves are thought to carry strong spiritual energy, some people use them in meditation. It’s common to use four leaves (a sacred number) to help create a sense of balance, grounding, and peace during meditation or reflection.
Are Ti Leaves used to make tea?
Despite my initial confusion — no, ti leaves are not used to make tea.
They are completely different from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), and while ti plants have historical medicinal uses, they are not brewed like traditional tea.
If you’re visiting Hawaii and find yourself handed a ti leaf — whether at a game, a ceremony, or even outside someone’s home — know that you’re holding something with real cultural significance.
And maybe give it a shake while you’re at it!
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Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
When I was first asked by some fellow foreigners in South Korea if I wanted to get naked in a public bathhouse and sauna on my first weekend in the country, I looked at them like they were nuts.
Somehow though, they managed to talk me into it (I blame severe jet lag), and it was one of the best decisions that I have ever made.