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Hana Noʻeau (Handmade Crafts - "Make ʻem & Take ʻem")

Lei Making

The art of lei-making is a treasured Hawaiian tradition that embodies love, respect, and a deep connection to both people and ʻāina. This cultural practice includes various traditional lei styles, each with its own significance and unique technique:

  • Lei Wili (twist/wrap style): This style involves wrapping and twisting raffia or other binding materials around flowers, leaves, or plant elements in a spiral pattern, creating a tightly bound and intricate lei.

  • Lei Haku (braided/flat style): A lei formed by braiding or weaving flowers and foliage into a flat design, often worn on the head.

  • Lei Kui (sewn style): Created using a needle and thread to string flowers and plant materials in single, double, or triple strands.

  • Lei Hipuʻu (knotted style): A technique where clusters of flowers or greenery are tied at intervals along a strand.

  • Lei Hilo (twisted/braided style): Two strands of plant material are twisted or braided together to create a durable lei.

  • Lei Hili (plaiting style): A single material, such as ti leaves or lau niu (coconut fronds), is plaited or woven into a simple yet elegant lei.

In this workshop, participants will primarily focus on the lei wili style due to its versatility and cultural significance. The lei wili technique allows for creative expression while honing fine motor skills and fostering patience and care—values deeply rooted in traditional Hawaiian practices.

Participants will learn how to identify and gather appropriate plant materials, prepare their supplies, and master the wrapping and twisting technique. Through this process, they will not only develop technical skills but also gain a deeper understanding of the cultural meanings behind lei-making, such as hoʻokupu (offering) and aloha.

By focusing on the lei wili style, participants are encouraged to view lei-making as a form of storytelling, honoring the connection between the materials, the maker, and the recipient. This workshop invites participants to immerse themselves in the intricate artistry of this cherished Hawaiian tradition.

 

Recommended Age: 6 and older
Duration: 4 hours
Additional Supply Fee: $40

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Class size limit: 20 participants

 

One time slot available:

  • Workshop Sessions 3-4 | Saturday, 9:00 AM - 1:15 PM


Your Instructor

ʻOāokaʻena
Kirkland
Oʻahu

Oaokaena Kirkland (1).png

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ʻOāokaʻena Kirkland, raised in Nānākuli, Oʻahu is a dedicated Hawaiian Language Teacher at Kapolei High School and Kumu Hula with a passion for preserving and perpetuating ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi and cultural traditions. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to ride as a Pāʻū rider at various parades, allowing her to learn and grow in different aspects of Hawaiian Culture.

After dancing for 27 years, in 2022, she ʻūniki under the tutelage of Kumu Hula D. Kuʻualohanui Kauliʻa, marking a significant milestone in her hula journey. Over the years she has been able to travel the world and accomplish so much on her hula journey.
As a teacher, she integrates moʻolelo (stories), mele (music), and hula into lessons to create immersive and meaningful learning experiences for students. A firm believer in community engagement, ʻOāokaʻena also actively participates in cultural events, including organizing events with Kala Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to preserve, perpetuate, and share Hawaiian cultural traditions, particularly hula, and other Native Hawaiian art forms, through education, mentorship, and community outreach.
 

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