December 1, 2021 Kea Peters

Design Story: Ke ola o ka lehua

The lehua is part of my sons namesake and I wanted to find a modern and creative way for us to incorporate this meaningful plant into our journey. Our newest print captures the entire process of ʻōhiʻa blooming from bud to seed pod. Woven into this pattern is the concept of hoʻomau: to perpetuate.

Kakou Collective Ke ola o ka Lehua pattern

As a blossom dies after getting pollinated, new seed pods form and create an opportunity for new growth. Similarly, it is important for we as Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) to perpetuate our culture through the passing of knowledge, giving the younger generation roots to their past, with light and opportunity to guide them into a bold new future.