Lau Maile. Our maile leaf Hawaiian koa hardwood earrings. While maile is sometimes referred to as the "maile flower," it is actually a leaf. The maile lei is a symbol of respect, peace, friendship, and love. In Old Hawaiian traditions, the maile lei was the lei of royalty. Kahunas, Hawaiian priests, usedmaileleis to bind the bride and groom's hands together as a symbol of their unity.