Where to find lau hala in Hawaii | Hawaiian Airlines

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Where to find lau hala in Hawaii

Show your love for this heritage craft in the Islands — you can even learn how to weave.

The tradition of ulana (weaving) lau hala (the leaves of the hala tree) is deeply entwined in the history of Hawaii — the first Hawaiians voyaged here with lau hala sails and continued to use lau hala for everything from sleeping mats to storage baskets to clothing. Today, modern makers perpetuate this treasured heritage in Hawaii, producing new creative designs and using their skills to teach the next generation of weavers. Here’s how you can get your own special lau hala piece.

Leaves of the hala

The leaves of the hala (pandanus tree) are harvested and processed for weaving.

A tight-knit community of weavers

Lau hala practitioners are knowledgeable in every step of the process, from harvesting the leaves of the indigenous hala, or pandanus tree, to weaving strands into unique patterns. The craftsmanship of ulana lau hala requires dedicated patience and respect; one should be fully present and have good energy while weaving. Hawaii’s tight-knit community of weavers are bound to each other by their shared wisdom, and experts can often identify the maker of a local piece by recognizing their technique. Don’t be surprised if one weaver refers you to another — it's not about competition here.

Kimura Lauhala Shop Hawaii Island

Hawaii Island's Kimura Lauhala Shop showcases the work of dozens of local weavers.

Where to shop for local lau hala

On Hawaii Island, Kimura Lauhala ShopOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines near Kona has every type of lau hala creation imaginable, including bags and ornaments, while Hana Hou HiloOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines specializes in elegant papale (hats). Exclusive items are also found at the annual conference Ka Ulu Lauhala O KonaOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines, where Alice Kawamoto and her daughters sell their pieces. Na Lala O Ka PuhalaOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines is a talented Oahu-based group of weavers that takes custom orders online. In Ward Village, Na Mea HawaiiOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines has lau hala jewelry and books for sale as well as tools. Hawaiian-owned Honi HalaOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines sells one-of-a-kind lau hala jewelry and accessories online and at local markets, plus, you can purchase a weaving kit with all the materials to make a lau hala jar cover. Maui’s Native IntelligenceOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines in Wailuku also sells a variety of lau hala products by KU + MOEOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines and other local artists.

lau hala papale

Hawaiian papale (hats) are often crownless and traditionally made from lau hala.

Try your hand at lau hala weaving

To preserve its heritage, the art of ulana lau hala is now taught outside of families and newcomers can learn the practice across the Islands. On Oahu, The KahalaOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines has lau hala classes with Keoua Nelsen on Tuesdays, while the Royal Hawaiian CenterOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines holds basic weaving lessons every Wednesday. In Kakaako, Na Kupuna Makamae CenterOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines gives introductory classes on traditional weaving every Wednesday morning. The Puuhonua Society’s KeanahalaOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines community weaving program has workshops on moena (traditional mats), whereas Hawaii HandweaversOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines hosts lau hala bracelet classes multiple times a year in downtown Honolulu. Hawaii Island's Donkey Mill Art CenterOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines teaches a variety of fiber arts like lau hala. Maui's lau hala conference, KauluhiwaoleleOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines, celebrates traditional crafts with workshops and discussions, and lau hala events are also held at Maui Nui Botanical GardensOpens external link to page that may not meet accessibility guidelines in Kahului.