Born: Laupahoehoe, Big Island of Hawai‘i
Hawaiian Lauhala Weaving - Master

"So when I go out and pick leaves, I always talk to the leaves, because they are just like children playing around, just for you to sort out the good ones, and what’s no good...just let it always be there".

Gathering lauhala is hot, hard work but also very rewarding. The leaves grow in long strips with thorns on either side. Once the leaves are gathered they need to be cleaned and the thorns removed. Then the leaves are rolled together. Traditionally, people used a kapa beater to soften the leaves, but sometimes weavers today will use a rolling pin, or occasionally even a pasta maker. Auntie Minnie Ka‘awaloa has been making lauhala into practical household items all her life. She shows great artistry and skill in her work, and loves to teach this craft to others. According to Auntie Minnie, there is a deeply spiritual side to making lauhala you can feel when you start to work with the leaves.