Blog

Wow.  The months are flying by.  I was so wrapped up in designing Ka Ulu Lauhala O Kona's website and handling the inaugural online registration process that I didn't update the "News" on lauhalahats.com at all since April.  I went into the conference already exhausted and stressed.  Above is a group picture of the kumu at the Hōʻike Dinner.  I'm in the back far right looking at the camera.   But backing up a bit.  At the conference, on Thursday after lunch, Michelle of Hana Hou organized a Vintage Fashion Show with her personal collection of vintage Aloha wear and accessories. ...

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi...  The Mauna Lani had their Lei Day Celebration on May 1.  We were situated in their Hale ʻIʻike and demonstrated our various cultural arts.  There were lei hulu, lei pūpū, cordage, and ulana lauhala demonstrators.  I brought my current project, one can see it in the above picture foreground... the lauhala not the weaponry! lol, but I ended up talking story more than actually weaving.  I wore my Nakeʻu Awai #Maui Strong dress with lei lokelani from my yard. I apologize for forgetting to take a picture.  At least one can see the...

Happy Muʻumuʻu Month Kākou!  There were more Muʻumuʻu Month events throughout the State this year.  Although I really wanted to go to Kauaʻi for their events, the farthest west I got was Muʻu at the Museum at Hānaiakamalama.  Its an annual fundraiser for the preservation of Hānaiakamalama, Queen Emma's Summer Palace.  This year’s theme was “Where East Meets West.”  It recognized the significant influence of Chinese culture within Hawaiʻi, and was inspired by the Great Chinese Merchants’ Ball of 1856 in honor of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. I found this vintage Alfred Shaheen on Poshmark.  It was in great condition considering its...

Accompanied EH to Oʻahu for 24 hours and was able to visit my favorite muʻumuʻu place DeStash Hawaii.  Aunty Lei had some beautiful pāpale in stock.    I always learn so much while browsing at DeStash Hawaii.  Her friends stop by and hang out and the conversations are truly educational.  One learns things like Hilo Hattie of Hilo Hatties was an entertainer before/besides being a clothing designer.  [Update:  I'm right now watching a 1980 PBS tribute to Hilo Hattie replayed/recorded on our DVR on PBS on Dec. 20 and she was a teacher!  She danced hula and performed in a women's group...

Aloha Week seems to have become a month long Aloha Festival. There were many activities at different locations, but I only made it to two. Mauna Lani had their Aloha Festival on Thursday, September 28, and we demonstrated our respective lei hulu, ulana lauhala, and cordage work.  Kaniela Akaka serenaded us with his acoustic instruments.  Beautiful music and pleasant vibes.  I always enjoy hanging out with these artists.  (Below) Above, left to right:  Me, Emily, Kathy, and Tanya.  I wore my "vintage" '90s-ish Princess Kaʻulani Fashions holomuʻu and my fine weave pāpale.  Tanya was wearing her ʻānoni Sassy Hat that she made...