In the rich culture in Hawaiʻi, few things are as evocative as the soft, sweet scent of a cherished lei. Today, we're excited to introduce our latest artwork, "Onaona," a design that captures the essence of this sensory experience and pays homage to two of our family's favorite lei flowers.
The Meaning of Onaona
"Onaona" in Hawaiian means "softly fragrant; soft fragrance or perfume, aroma; gentle and sweet." This beautiful word encapsulates not just the physical scent of the flowers, but also the gentle, sweet memories and emotions that these fragrances evoke. It's a perfect name for our new design, which combines two of the most beloved and fragrant flowers used in lei making in Hawaiʻi.
A Blend of Family Favorites
Our "Onaona" design brings together two hui favorites: lei pīkake and puakenikeni. These flowers hold a special place in our hearts and in our family traditions:
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Pīkake (Jasminum sambac):
- Known for its small, white, intensely fragrant flowers
- Named after Princess Kaʻiulani's beloved peacocks
- A popular choice for special occasions due to its sweet, memorable scent
- Introduced to Hawaiʻi and widely embraced in lei making
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Puakenikeni (Fagraea berteroana):
- Recognizable by its small, tubular flowers that change from white to yellow
- The name means "ten-cent flower," a nod to its historical price
- Prized for its strong, sweet fragrance that intensifies in the evening
- Also introduced to Hawaiʻi and became a favorite for lei
A Personal Touch
As the artist behind "Onaona," it brings me great joy to create a piece that combines flowers that have deep meaning to our family. These aren't just any flowers – they're the ones that grow in our own backyard, the ones we've woven into countless lei for celebrations and milestones.
What makes this design even more special is how it intertwines our family's pua punahele (favorite flowers). Puakenikeni is a favorite of my dad and husband, while pīkake holds a special place in my sisters' hearts. For my family members, these lei evoke cherished memories. Because of their love for their favorite flowers and lei, I now associate these blossoms with them.
By bringing these two flowers together in "Onaona," I'm not just creating art – I'm weaving together a representation of our family's connections. It's a visual embodiment of the love and aloha we share, captured through the beauty of these cherished flowers.
There's something truly special about being able to walk out into our garden, breathe in the soft, sweet scent of pīkake and puakenikeni, and then translate that sensory experience into visual art. It's a way of capturing not just the fragrance, but the essence of our family's bond and the traditions we hold dear.
More Than Just a Design
"Onaona" is more than just a visual representation of these beloved flowers. It's a celebration of our family's connection to the culture of Hawaiʻi, a tribute to the traditions of lei making, and a way to share the gentle, sweet essence of these flowers with those who may never have the chance to experience their fragrance in person.
Every time we look at this artwork, we're reminded of lei gifted with aloha, of graduations and weddings adorned with these fragrant blossoms, and of quiet moments in the garden, surrounded by the soft perfume of pīkake and puakenikeni.
We hope that "Onaona" brings a piece of that experience to you, whether you're familiar with these flowers or encountering them for the first time through our art. May it serve as a gentle reminder of the sweet fragrances and even sweeter memories that make life beautiful.
Aloha, and may your days be filled with the soft, sweet fragrance of cherished moments and beloved traditions.
