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How to Make Lei with 'A'ali'i Follow along as I share how to make lei using the kui pololei method with the beautiful and versatile 'a'ali'i plant! Graduation is coming up and 'a'ali'i works so well in so many different types of lei. 1️⃣ Lei Kui Pololei – The classic needle-and-thread method, perfect for showcasing the vibrant seed pods of 'a'ali'i. 2️⃣ Lei Wili – A traditional wrapping technique that uses raffia to wrap the 'a'ali'i onto a base, creating a stunning and durable design (this technique is not demonstrated in this video, but I do show a finished lei w/ kupukupu backing). 🌿 About 'A'ali'i: Known for its resilience, 'a'ali'i is a plant often used in lei-making due to its colorful seed pods / flowers and strong stems. It symbolizes strength and adaptability, making it a meaningful addition to your creations. It can grow under tough conditions, from the coast to the drier elevations of the mauna. I've even seen 'a'ali'i survive wildfires! When gathering 'a'ali'i, please make sure to ask for permission (from the plant, land, and/or land owner), only take what you need, and never over pick. My goal with this channel is to encourage and further the practice of lei making. It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be made with love and good intentions. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more lei making content, I promise I'm getting better with each video I make! Mahalo nui loa for watching! 🌺✨

Let's make lei for Merrie Monarch! Today we're making two lei; one using lush koa leaves, and another featuring a vibrant mix of eucalyptus and ‘a‘ali‘i. Whether you already attended the Merrie Monarch Festival, are preparing for Lei Day or graduation, or simply want to celebrate Hawaiian culture, these techniques will help you make lei that honor tradition and showcase the beauty of native plants.

Discover how to craft a lei with spray roses using the traditional Hawaiian method of kui, meaning "to string or pierce." This style celebrates the beauty of roses (loke) and the precision of stringing each blossom onto a needle and thread / raffia. In this video, you'll see a quick demonstration about creating a Lei Loke using the kui style of lei making. From selecting and prepping beautiful spray roses to observing the process of stringing them onto your lei. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced lei maker, I hope this short tutorial will guide you through the steps to create a beautiful and colorful lei that showcases the elegance of loke. Subscribe and like for more lei tutorials and explore the rich cultural heritage of Hawaiian lei making!

Aloha, friends! 🌺 Join me for a day on Hawaii Island as I share a glimpse into my life as a lei maker. Living in the serene rural landscape, I find inspiration in the beauty of our ‘āina (land) and the vibrant flowers that surround me. In this video, you’ll accompany me on a few different days as I gather fresh blossoms and lush greenery for my lei creations.. Once back at my hale (home), I’ll guide you through a quick tutorial of a couple different ways to prep your lei materials, as well as a short tutorial on how to make a lei poʻo using the wili method. This video is not just about crafting; it’s a celebration of island life, connection to nature, and the simple joys that fill my days. I hope it inspires you to appreciate the beauty around you and perhaps even try your hand at making a lei! Mahalo for watching! If you enjoy this journey, please like, comment, and subscribe for more lei making tutorials and insights into life on Hawaii Island. More long form tutorials to come!

Learn how to create a fun old style bombucha (bumbucha) carnation lei with this lei making tutorial! Perfect for graduations, weddings, or any special occasion, this lei is a such a fun way to express your love and joy for the recipient. In this video, I'll show you how to store and prepare your carnations, thread them onto raffia (or thread if you choose), and finish your lei with a loving touch. FYI, this lei does require a large amount of flowers, so it's definitely a special occasion lei! Materials Needed: Approximately 150 carnations Raffia / thread Large lei needle Scissors Subscribe to my channel for more lei making tutorials and life on Moku o Keawe! If you have any questions or want to share your own lei creations, leave a comment below, or tag me on your insta posts with your lei @leilupea. We can keep learning together. Mahalo, I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to watch!

Aloha! In this video, I'm sharing how to make three different styles of lei using beautiful koa leaves from my family's property. Learn the techniques for creating a Micronesian inspired (twisting method) lei, a lei po'o using the haku (braiding) method, and a brief mention of lei wili (wrapping). Koa leaves are a unique and beautiful material for lei making, and these methods can be adapted for other leaves and flowers as well. Please keep in mind that I am a haumāna (student), and I am learning and growing with each lei I make. This isn't a masterclass, but a shared journey! I want to encourage everyone, no matter their skill level, to experience the beauty of lei making. Perfect isn't the goal, connection is. Information on Koa: Koa (Acacia koa) holds immense significance in Hawaiian culture. This native Hawaiian tree is deeply intertwined with the islands' history, traditions, and identity. Koa embodies the resilience and enduring spirit of the Hawaiian people, connecting past and present. Historically, koa wood was "kapu" (forbidden) for common use, reserved only for Hawaiian royalty. The word "koa" translates to "brave," "warrior," and "courage" in Hawaiian. Koa was crucial for crafting wa'a (outrigger canoes), enabling ocean exploration and fishing. Warriors used koa to create spears and other weapons, including the leiomano (shark-toothed club). Koa wood was used to make bowls (umeke) and other items for Hawaiian monarchs15. Koa trees play a vital role in Hawaiian ecosystems, supporting native species and enriching soil. As a keystone species, koa contributes to overall forest health and stability. Today, koa is prized for its beauty in furniture, musical instruments, and jewelry. The use of koa in contemporary art and crafts helps preserve Hawaiian heritage and traditions. Koa wood is often incorporated into important buildings and ceremonies as a symbol of Hawaiian culture.