Can you wear a Hawaiian lei in navy uniform?

Answer 1

Under military uniform regulations, absolutely not. "Flowers" of any type are not authorized as a uniform device for any regulation Navy Uniform.

However, having said that, it is a long standing tradition for sailors to be decorated with lei's upon arriving in Hawaii, and Naval Commands tend to overlook the rule as long as it doesn't interfere with Navy protocol. For example, they'd overlook it if the sailor was on liberty in uniform (unless there were specific orders prohibiting it by local commands), but would not tolerate the wearing of them on duty.

Most sailors are aware of the uniform regulations - no sailor goes ashore without being first briefed on all rules/regulations to be followed. It's of course different for Navies of different countries, but the U.S. Navy is not blind to decades of tradition either, and fostering cultural good will.