What does it mean to "weave lauhala"?
It means to pick, de-thorn, dry, and weave the long and spiky leaves of the pandanus plant to make the lovely and light bracelets, hats, bags (and in the past: floor coverings, sails, and bedding) seen in Hawaiʻi and the South Pacific. There are several (more) traditional stages that require patience, skill, and respect for the materials. The pandanus plant is widespread throughout Polynesia and valued for its versatility, longevity and usefulness. It is a canoe plant, one of the few plants held in high enough esteem to be included in the cargo of the great Polynesian open ocean voyaging canoes in order to be transplanted to new lands, like the Hawaiian Islands. Weaving lauhala is more than craftwork; it’s an expression of aloha ʻāina (love for the land), and a way of connecting with the many countless generations who wove before us.
HPPA Sales Director Michelle joined local lauhala weavers, both students and kumu (teachers), at Kahuluʻu Ma Kai in Kona, a Kamehameha Schools property that once held a hotel but that has been restored and made available as a peaceful, beautiful outdoor educational complex to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and knowledge. This lauhala weaving retreat, the brainchild of master weaver and former HPPA alumnus Hulali Jewell, drew 90 attendees from across several Hawaiian islands to sit in the shade by the sea and practice with the best weavers in the state.
Because we love to support and perpetuate the practice of Hawaiian culture, HPPA donated 11 Ike Ulana Lauhala books for a drawing held at the gathering, and also collaborated with Magic Mo, one of our vendors, to print and assemble 100 fine art prints of the Dietrich Varez work Ulana Lauhala, that were given away to all the attendees.
Michelle says that it was a beautiful gathering of local lauhala weavers, and the first of what will be an annual event. A long table was set up to honor and remember the kumu who came before and shared their deep knowledge and skills, skills now being taught to anyone who is interested in learning and loving this beautiful craft (and art!). Mahalo, Michelle, for taking us along! We are so impressed with that intricate hat and bracelet. Mahalo nui loa, thank you very much, to Hulali Jewell, for organizing this instantly iconic, inspiring event!
Want to learn to weave lauhala?
Interested in the art of the amazing Dietrich Varez?
You can follow master weaver Hulali Jewell here.
