crafts

Native birds and the artwork produced from their feathers are the subject of this program hosted by John Dominis Holt.

Kohala flower grower and lei-maker Marie Leilehua McDonald presents various lei-making techniques, including hili, haku and wili. She introduces and gathers native plants such as ‘ākia, lehua and ‘a‘ali‘i to make into a wildflower lei and shows how to braid the lei palapalai (fern).

Artist, craftsman and philosopher Sam Kaha‘i Ka‘ai displays his collection of fishhooks made of bone, ivory, pearl and turtle shell, and demonstrates the traditional way of making them using grinding stones and a Hawaiian drill.

Tuti Kanahele visits with musician and Kaua‘i resident Margaret Aipoalani who demonstrates the techniques and patterns of Hawaiian quilting, tells stories of her younger days, and entertains with song, ʻukulele and piano.

Tuti Kanahele visits with her father, Leimana Kanahele, born and raised on the island of Ni‘ihau, now making his home on Kaua‘i. Leimana demonstrates the making of saddles, a skill acquired during his younger days working on a Ni‘ihau cattle ranch.

Tuti Kanahele visits with Kaleipua Pahulehua, originally a native of the island of Ni‘ihau, who makes her home on Kaua‘i. Following a long-established tradition taught to her as a young girl, Kaleipua makes shell lei, the well-known and exquisite lei pūpū o Niʻihau.

Tom Pico, sculptor and woodcarver, introduces the craft of making adzes, the traditional stone tool of Polynesia.

Tuti Kanahele visits Esther Makuaole who makes her home on Kaua‘i. Following a long-established tradition taught to her as a young girl in Kona, Esther skillfully weaves pāpale (hats) made of lau hala and other materials.

Kāko‘i. nv. To make adzes; adze maker

Tom Pico, sculptor and woodcarver, introduces the craft of making ko‘i, adzes, the traditional stone tool of Polynesia.