Cultural & Fiber Arts Workshop at Kāʻanapali Beach, Maui

Celebrating the Living Legacy of Hawaiian Fiber Arts

Join us for three incredible days of hands-on learning, culture, and connection!

Mission Statement

Kauluhiwaolele Maui Fiber Arts Conference is dedicated to the revitalization, celebration, and transmission of Native Hawaiian knowledge of fiber arts. We gather to honor the ʻike (knowledge), moʻokūʻauhau (lineage), and hana noʻeau (artistic excellence) of our ancestors, weaving together tradition and innovation. Through workshops, storytelling, and community connection, we empower practitioners of all generations to carry forward the sacred threads of our culture with intention, respect, and aloha.

Vision Statement

To cultivate a thriving community of cultural practitioners by preserving and perpetuating Native Hawaiian fiber arts through intergenerational learning, environmental stewardship, and the celebration of ʻike kupuna on the island of Maui.

Early Registration: July 11 - August 15, 2025 Standard Registration: August 16 - September 1, 2025

Kumu Bio & Registration Info

Registration cost includes instruction and final hōʻike dinner; additional materials fee may apply. Class is held over 3 consecutive days, and you must be able to attend all class days.

Kauluhiwaolele Logo Pareos INCLUDED in your registration ####If you would like to purchase more of this exclusive collectible, you may for $40.00 each

---

Papa: Introduction to lauhala

!Description of image

Kumu: Yasuyo Johnson

Yasuyo Johnson, originally from Japan, now resides in Pukalani, Maui. Her journey into traditional Hawaiian weaving began in 2018 when she participated in Ola I Ka Puhala, an experience that sparked her deep passion for lauhala. She began studying under Kumu Pōhaku and has since expanded her knowledge through learning from esteemed kumu including Pualani Muraki, Caroline Affonso, Lynda Saffery, and Stacie Segovia. Yasuyo has crafted over 300 pāpale (woven hats) and also weaves with makaloa and loʻulu. She is honored and excited to share her weaving knowledge alongside such respected kumu.

Course Description: Introduction to lauhala weaving. Students will learn to clean and prepare lauhala and create one-, two-, and three-dimensional woven items, including a peahi (fan), purse, and basket.

Materials Fee: $58

Prerequisite: N/A

Students to Bring: • Old towel to clean hala • Pareo or towel to cover hala • Scissors • Spray bottle

---

Papa: Flask Cover - Intermediate Hala

!Description of image

Kumu: Gayle “Kaila” Miyaguchi

Kaila began weaving lauhala in the mid-nineties, learning to make pāpale with Aunty Elizabeth Maluʻihi Lee and her apprentice, Lynne Hanks. Since then, she has attended lauhala conferences and classes with Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano. Kaila is a member of Nā Akua Ākea Maui, an ʻieʻie weaving cohort under the direction of Kumulaʻau and Haunani Balino Sing where final projects included the making of a kiʻi and various styles of mahiole.

Course Description: An introduction to making piko by creating a basic flask cover. We will practice maka moena, ʻoʻeno and pālua weaving techniques.

Materials Fee: $40 Materials Fee Includes: Lauhala (pre stripped), flask and miscellaneous supplies.

Prerequisite: Must have beginning lauhala skills to include gathering and processing kūkaʻa, stripping lau, know how to weave items such as bracelets, baskets, placemats and/or fans.

Students to Bring: • Scissors • Spray bottle • Puller • Koe

---

Papa: Pāpale (hat) - Advanced Hala

!Description of image

Kumu: Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano

Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano comes from a lineage of lauhala weavers from Kahakuloa, Maui. As a young adult, he began his journey of apprenticeships with seven mentors and immersed himself in the art of lauhala weaving. He is now a master weaver dedicated to sharing his skills with others. He is excited to bring weavers of Maui together to enable the fiber arts to thrive.

Course Description: In loving tribute to Lele, the ahupuaʻa of Lāhainā affected by the fire, students will weave a pāpale (hat) in honor of the legendary Malu ʻUlu o Lele—a grove of ʻulu trees planted by Chief Kakaʻalaneo that once offered life-giving shade and water to the land.

Materials Fee: $75

Prerequisite: Proficiency in making piko via moena, hydro flask covers, purses with zero to minimal assistance.

Students to Bring: • Scissors • Spray bottle • Puller • Rag • Small knife

---

Papa: Introduction to ʻIeʻie - Basic Hawaiian Basketry

!Description of image

Kumu: Ed Lum

Ed's passion for Hawaiian weaving began when he started weaving with lauhala in 2017 under the guidance of Kumu Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano. At the Ola i Ka Pūhala conference in October 2018, he was introduced to ʻieʻie with nā Kumu Kumulāʻau and Haunani Balino-Sing, and he has been studying with them ever since. At Kauluhiwaolele 2019, he was selected to become a kumu at the next conference.

Course Description: Introduction to the basic patterns and techniques of ʻieʻie weaving to create a basket.

Materials Fee: $45

Prerequisite: N/A

---

Papa: Intermediate ʻIeʻie

!Description of image

Kumu: Daniel Keikiokalauahikimai Kahaʻialiʻi

Born and raised in the heart of Lahaina, Maui, Daniel carries a legacy of love, resilience, and deep cultural pride. A descendant of the Lono lineage, he was raised in a family where Hawaiian traditions were not just practiced but lived. His father, Wilmont Kamaunu Kahaʻialiʻi - a beloved musician, former OHA trustee, and founder of Hoʻokuʻikahi-instilled in him a profound respect for cultural preservation. Through his father's passion for traditional Hawaiian garments like the mahiole (warrior helmet) and ʻahu ʻula (feather cape), Daniel's creative journey began, shaping his lifelong commitment to honoring and revitalizing these sacred arts.

Course Description: This course will consist of five projects, ranging from ʻeke (bag), to peahi (fan), hīnaʻi (fishtrap), pāpale pikoʻole (crownless hat), and a miniature mahiole (helmet).

Materials Fee:

• Kit A: $50 includes a roll of cane, a bucket, scissors, spray bottle, clothespins
• Kit B: $30 a roll of cane (only)

Prerequisite: N/A

Students to Bring: • Bucket • Scissors • Spray bottle • Clothespins • Towel

---

Papa: ʻIeʻie w/Gourd - Advanced Weaving

!Description of image

Kumu: Kekai Kapu

Kekai has been an artisan and cultural practitioner for the past 28 years. Married for 43 years, he and wife Colleen are blessed with 4 children and 19 grandchildren. Kekai has roots on Maui and currently resides in Kula, Maui. Both Kekai and Colleen are skilled crafters, teachers and experienced weavers working with ʻaha, lauhala and ʻieʻie making hīnaʻi, fish traps and jewelry.

Course Description: Haumāna will use cane to weave an ornate ʻeke or hīnaʻi to encompass a gourd

Materials Fee: $100

Prerequisite: Introductory course in ʻieʻie weaving; ʻieʻie basket, hīnaʻi, or pāpale.

---

Papa: Kapa Making

!Description of image

Kumu: Lori Lei Ishikawa

Lei Ishikawa, a Native Hawaiian kapa practitioner, is dedicated to enriching Native Hawaiian students, families, and communities with cultural foundations for leadership and stewardship. With degrees in Interdisciplinary Studies, Human Resource Management, and Indigenous Studies, Lei has spent over 20 years at the University of Hawaiʻi Maui College. Her research focuses on reconnecting kapa traditions to contemporary Hawaiian culture through artifacts, moʻolelo (history), and kapa making.

Course Description: Pounding, ʻOhe Kāpala, and Dyes In this immersive workshop, students will explore wauke cultivation, fiber harvesting and processing, proper tool design and use, and traditional kapa-making practices with a skilled practitioner.

Materials Fee: N/A

Prerequisite: N/A

---

Papa: Lei Hulu Humupapa

!Description of image

Kumu: Maile Keawe Bryan

Maile, a Native Hawaiian woman from Kailua, Oʻahu, moved to Maui 27 years ago to secure her homestead and raise a family. Now a grandmother, she embraces her passion for traditional arts inspired by her grandmothersʻ handiwork. Under the guidance of the late Aunty Florence Makekau of Lahaina, Maile learned many lei styles, especially lei hulu—feather lei that can last forever. Aunty Flo, a lifelong teacher, deeply influenced Maileʻs craft and character. At the 2025 Kauluhiwaolele conference, Maile will share Humu Papa, the feather-stitching technique, to preserve and pass on this cherished tradition.

Materials Fee: $65 Includes: • 2oz feathers • half pelt • Thread • Felt • Measuring Tool • Clippers

Prerequisite: Nimble fingers and patience.

Students to Bring: • Headlamp

---

Papa: Launiu - Coconut Weaving

!Description of image

Kumu: Mika Villaren

Mika began weaving in 1986, learning from master weaver Susan Ogle during breaks from his job at the Maui Tropical Plantation. He later honed his skills at Club Lani under Aunty Elaine Kaʻopuiki and others, including Uncle Al Ia. His passion led to the creation of Niu Creation and a decade of sharing his craft aboard the cruise ship Independence. Mika has taught launiu (coconut frond weaving) across the U.S. and internationally, including to orphans in Bali. Committed to keeping the tradition alive, he continues to weave and teach anyone eager to learn this vital cultural art.

Course Description: Learn to weave ornaments, hats, and baskets.

Materials Fee: $20

Prerequisite: N/A