Loke, the name used in Hawaiʻi for rose, is not native to these islands. Roses originated in Asia and were introduced to Hawaiʻi in the 1800s, brought over by foreign settlers and missionaries who planted them in ornamental gardens. Unlike...
Lehua mamo refers to the rare yellow form of the ʻōhiʻa lehua (Metrosideros polymorpha), a native Hawaiian tree vital to island ecosystems. While most ʻōhiʻa are known for their bright red blossoms, the yellow variety — once associated with the...
Each January, I illustrate a new ‘ōhi‘a lehua to honor my son, Kamanu‘ailehua, and our shared birthday month. This year’s focus is lehua mamo, the rare golden bloom of Metrosideros polymorpha. With Rapid ‘Ōhi‘a Death threatening these trees, a portion of all lehua art sales supports the ‘Ōhi‘a Seed Storage Project.
The art of lei making holds a profound place in our cultural heritage. Among the most cherished combinations is the maile and pīkake lei, a perfect marriage of indigenous wisdom and adopted tradition. Deep in our native forests, maile vines...
Nohea — meaning pretty or lovely in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi — is the perfect name for this lei. Twisted in the traditional kui style, Lei Nohea brings together three flowers that, while not native, have become deeply rooted in Hawaiʻi’s floral culture:...
1. The Annual Kapa Kuiki Tradition In our business, we've cultivated a unique tradition that beautifully intertwines art, culture, and growth. Each year, we create a new kapa kuiki design, marking another chapter in our company's journey. This collection showcases...
Aloha! Today, we're excited to share the story of ulu (breadfruit), one of Hawaii's most important canoe plants, and its enduring significance in Hawaiian culture and ecology. A Voyaging Legacy Ulu is one of the precious canoe plants brought to...
The pua kalaunu, or crown flower (Calotropis gigantea), has become a familiar sight in lei making traditions of Hawaii, despite its origins outside the islands. This lei, adorned with the distinctive crown-like blossoms, offers an interesting glimpse into the evolving...
The majestic koa tree (Acacia koa) stands as one of Hawaii's most iconic native species, reaching heights of over 100 feet and living for centuries. These ancient giants aren't just beautiful – they're crucial pillars of Hawaii's forest ecosystems and...
In the lush landscapes of Hawaii, a small but mighty shrub known as the 'a'ali'i (Dodonaea viscosa) stands as a testament to resilience. The Hawaiian proverb, or 'Ōlelo No'eau, number 507 states: "He 'a'ali'i kū makani mai au; 'a'ohe makani...
In the lush landscapes of Hawaii, a silent battle is being waged. The 'ōhi'a lehua tree, a keystone species in Hawaiian ecosystems, faces a formidable enemy: Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death, a devastating fungal disease. As artists and conservationists, we believe in...
