Weaving Lau Hala: Living Lau Hala

A Native Hawaiian Way

In partnership with the VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific and University of Hawaii College of Education, Art Education, First-time weavers receive a manuwahi – a free lau hala kit for weaving a bracelet, bookmark, or star. Additional materials fees for Lau Hala kits range from $15-$60.

Kits are prepared by the weaving community through the kako‘o from Na Mea Hawaii.

Participate in a hands-on lau hala experience; learn about gathering, cleaning, and rolling Hawaiian lau hala, to preparing, stripping and weaving it.

All levels of experience are welcome; everyone can learn to weave!

A group of Hawaii teachers, Aunty Gwen Kamisugi, Aunty Gladys Grace, and their long-time weavers will gather with you at the Academy Art Center at Linekona.

They will introduce students to the values of ho‘ohanohano (honoring culture with pride and care), aloha (respect and care for each other), malama 'aina (care of place and resources) are living aspects of what is learned in the weaving of lau hala.

We weave to create relationships and understanding of Hawaiian cultural traditions, knowledge, resources and place.

In the not-so-distant past, weaving the leaves (lau) of the Hala Tree was a traditional practice in most Hawaiian families. Weaving was a way to create objects of beauty for every day living as well as things of wealth, exchange and offerings. The lessons learned through the weaving of lau hala reinforce deeper cultural values, ones that are being embraced and cherished once again by the Hawaiian community and the people of Hawaii.

Novice, intermediate and veteran weavers may come by any time during the four days for a half or full day of weaving, sharing prepared meals and relaxing conversation with new and old friends.

New and returning weavers will be able to finish a simple lau hala project in a session or two. For those looking for more involved weaving projects, the commitment of the longer immersion weekend will bring them the reward of a hat, purse or mat as well as the embrace of a portion of community of lau hala aficionado.

Shorter lau hala projects include making bracelets, earrings, turtles, bookmarks, placemats and baskets. The kumu will help you get started on a weaving project that is geared to the amount of time you have available to weave, and your prior weaving experiences.

Advanced projects include: hats, round mats and piko purses. $55 half-day session (3 hours) $75 full-day session is (6 hours) $280 four-day Immersion Weekend (meals and refreshments are included in tuition)

Office Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm, Saturday, 9:00am-3:30pm

For further information on classes, exhibitions, and workshops, please visit www.honoluluacademy.org or call 532-8741

You may register by mail or in person at: The Academy Art Center at Linekona 1111 Victoria Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

More information on VSA arts of Hawaii-Pacific, vsartshawaiipacific.org

Event Sponsor
Center on Disability Studies, Manoa Campus

More Information
Susan Miller, 956-3975, millers@hawaii.edu, http://www.vsartshawaiipacific.org, hala weaving intensive (PDF)

Ongoing Events