Craft Fresh Pua Earrings in Hilo: Hands-On Lei & Jewelry Workshop

On Hilo’s humid, floral-rich east shore of Hawai‘i Island, DIY Fresh Pua Earrings with Pakalana Mai Nei offers a hands-on window into the living craft of lei and flower adornment. Located in Hilo, this 1 hour 45 minute workshop walks you through designing and assembling fragrant pua (flowers) onto brass hoops to create wearable pieces of aloha. The class begins at a communal workbench where baskets of freshly cut pua—plumeria, pikake, and other island blooms—are laid out alongside brass hoops, wire, pins, and curated charms. Under the guidance of Pakalana Mai Nei, the creator of the pakalana hoop earrings, you learn basic lei techniques, flower preservation timing, and tips for balancing scent, color, and movement. Students choose from standard materials included with the workshop or opt for upgraded findings and charms to elevate their final pair. What makes this experience special is the intersection of craft and culture: lei-making is a living practice tied to celebrations like Merrie Monarch week and daily expressions of aloha. Making earrings from fresh pua highlights the ephemeral beauty of Hawaiian flowers—the soft waxiness of plumeria petals, the tiny fragrant clusters of pikake—while connecting you directly to local botanical knowledge. The workshop also doubles as a small-scale lesson in floral sustainability: instructors explain how to select and use cut flowers responsibly so stems last longer on the ear without wasting resources. Beyond the workroom, Hilo’s slow, garden-forward town is part of the attraction. After class you can stroll to a nearby farmers market to compare commercial lei, visit botanical displays, or photograph your finished earrings against coconut palms and rain-soaked sidewalks. The session is social—perfect for travelers during Merrie Monarch week, wedding parties, or anyone who wants a locally made souvenir that won’t collect dust. Practical details are straightforward: two daily sessions cover setup, instruction, and load-out in 1 hour 45 minutes, and all basic tools and brass hoops are supplied. The pace is relaxed and beginner-friendly; no previous jewelry or lei experience is required. Bring a small cooler or insulated bag if you’d like to preserve flowers for the journey home, and note that delicate petals do not withstand heavy rain or long storage. For visitors looking to carry a bit of Hilo with them, DIY Fresh Pua Earrings with Pakalana Mai Nei is part craft class, part cultural primer, and fully sensory—floral scent, tactile petals, and a wearable result that keeps the memory of Hawaii’s gardens close. Reserve a spot in advance—classes are intentionally small so instructors can offer one-on-one guidance—and plan to wear or pack your earrings carefully; they make immediate gifts, rehearsal accessories for island weddings, or a fragrant keepsake that literally captures the scent and color of Hilo’s garden culture.