Policies: Before registering for classes & workshops, please review our registration policies in full. For questions, contact us at the front desk.
Description: Discover the art of traditional Hawaiian lei making in this introductory workshop focusing on the haku (braided) style. Students will learn the foundational steps of preparing kī (ti) leaf and mastering the braiding technique to create a stunning lei poʻo (lei for the head).
The supply fee includes kī of various colors and fresh flowers harvested directly from Kumu’s garden. Students are also welcome to bring their own favorite blossoms from home—such as orchids or other local flowers with long, flexible stems—to personalize their creation.
Level: Beginner, Ages 16+
Please note: Registration for this class will close on Saturday, October 3 at midnight.
Supply fee includes:
- Kī (ti leaf) of various colors
- Fresh flowers from Kumu’s garden
Students should bring:
- Water bottle & snack or lunch
- Optional: Any long-stemmed flowers you would like to incorporate into your lei
About the Artist: Born and raised in Kona, Ka‘uhane Heloca is an Hawaiian cultural practitioner sharing through demonstrations and public participation National Parks and cultural programs on Hawai‘i and abroad. He is an instructor with the Hāleo Hawaiian Language program at YWAM in Kailua-Kona and instructor through the Kupuleo program. Ka‘uhane serves as Program Director for Pilinahāleo Intergenerational Hawaiian Language Program, board member of Ahu‘ena Inc., the Amy Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, and is a former member of the County of Hawai‘i Cultural Resources Commission. Ka‘uhane was also a member of the cultural advisory group for the 2022 film The Wind and the Reckoning featuring Jason Scott Lee.
About Our Programs: As a place of convergence, the Mill serves as both a community and a physical place–celebrating the power of the arts, bringing people, ideas and perspectives together. We are proud to offer adult and youth programs that focus on awareness of one’s individuality in the contexts of family, community and the natural world. Our exhibitions provide a space to reflect, share perspectives and grow as a community. Our classes & workshops are designed to inspire creativity, foster connections, and provide enriching experiences for all participants. We invite you to join us in the studio.
