Blog — Hawaiian style

There were more than three events in September that were lauhala related.  I'm only writing about the ones that I attended.  I got to the 2nd annual 2025 HalaFest after lunch.  I missed the Talk Story with Kaohu Seto, Sr., but attended the Biocultural Conservation of Hala.  BIISC's exhibit table was informative with lots of examples.  Very interesting and exciting stuff going on in Puna and UH Hilo & Mānoa.  The celebration of Hala and emphasis on learning and conservation was exciting and palpable.  I'm glad I made the drive. Next was Aloha Festivities at Mauna Lani.  The hulu and...

I’d been putting off writing while gathering pics to write about, but then realized it had been NINE months since I last posted something.  Things kind of get redundant after awhile.  I imagine it may get boring reading about the same topics over and over.  I’m currently in a purse making phase…  Trying to use up fabric, interfacing, and handles.  It started with needing a “white” purse to accessorize my Daughters of Hawai’i regalia.  I had ordered "white palaka" from Little Cocalico but then decided to use white on white fabric (fig.2&4 above), from Kimuraʻs Fabric Store, that was leftover from this...

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...