In a native forest above Hilo, a small group of people from around Hawaii Island gathered under the tall ohia trees April 18 to practice the traditional art of lei making.
As the last echoes of the oli komo (entrance chant) moved through the forest, participants were welcomed by the sweet songs of the ‘i‘iwi, a native scarlet-red and black bird with a long curved yellow bill.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Natural Area Reserve System and the Three Mountain Alliance invited community members to take part in the second annual Kauluwehi Lei Workshop Series. The workshops were created to raise awareness about preserving Hawaii’s native forest and Hawaiian culture through lei making.
Participants learned tips on how to pick sustainably such as:
• Pick a little from many trees rather than overpicking a single tree.
• Make clean breaks when picking liko, the young tightly budded leaves of plants.
• Be mindful of actions and strive not to step on or break plants while moving through the forest.
Kauluwehi also encourages lei-makers to grow lei plants in their own backyard as the readily abundant materials allow one to make lei without entering native forests. This reduces the potential for transporting invasive weeds.
With the instruction of lei kumu Lahela Camara and Mele Kahananui, participants composed kui and wili-style lei from a variety of common native plants, including ohia, ohelo, palapalai, and pukiawe. As participants and instructors wove their lei, they also wove relationships with each other, their environment, and the native plants from which they composed their lei.
Lei artists of all skill levels and age are encouraged to enter the Kauluwehi Lei Contest. Entries must be submitted from 3-6 p.m. Thursday at the Division of Forestry and Wildlife, 19 E. Kawili St. in Hilo
A free opening reception and lei exhibition is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Friday, which also is May Day, at the Wailoa Center in Hilo. Everyone is welcome.
For more information, contact Anya Tagawa at anya.h.tagawa@hawaii.gov or call 439-9560.
