Exhibit: “Nā Kama a Ohiohikupua Lāua ʻo Lauhuki”

Volcano Art Center (VAC) is proud to announce the exhibition “Nā Kama a Ohiohikupua Lāua ʻo Lauhuki” presented by members of Hui ʻAla Hīnano and  Waianuhea o ka Pua Hala students of Kumu Kāʻeo Izon.  The exhibition  presents works by various artists dedicated to the art of lauhala weaving and design. The exhibit will be on display from April 12th – May 11th, open daily 9am -5pm in Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park.  Meet the artists at a reception in their honor on Friday,  April 25th from 11am -1pm. The participating artists will also provide a live weaving demonstration that same day.

Through the exhibit titled “Nā Kama a Ohiohikupua Lāua ʻo Lauhuki,” the Volcano Art Center honors the traditions of lau hala weaving.  The district of Puna on the Island of Hawaiʻi was known for the abundance of hala trees. Also known as Pandanus tectorius, the species of Pandanus (screwpine) is native to Malesia, Papuasia, eastern Australia, and the Pacific Islands. It grows in the coastal lowlands typically near the edge of the ocean. Common names in English include thatch screwpine, Tahitian screwpine, hala tree (pū hala in Hawaiian) and pandanus. In the Hawaiian language, “Lau” translates to “leaf,” while “lau hala” specifically refers to the leaves of the Hala tree.  Ancient Hawaiians utilized the tree for various purposes, including food, its seeds for paintbrushes and wood for building materials and calabashes.

Lau hala demonstrated its universal utility, throughout multiple Polynesian cultures being woven into everyday items such as trays, baskets, shade hats, skirts, loincloths, ceremonial bracelets, and anklets. Notably, Polynesian voyagers, understanding the material’s strength and resilience, constructed sails woven of lau hala for journeys across the open ocean.

Though it is a long and arduous process to prepare the leaves for weaving, the final products are works of art with a pleasing earthy feel. Today, the art of weaving lau hala stands as an enduring tradition imbued with profound reverence and cultural significance. Weavers not only bear the responsibility of carrying forward the delicate skills of the craft but also of paying homage to its rich heritage and preserving lau hala weaving traditions. Each weaver carries their own distinctive impression, creating a unique style that manifests in the choice of patterns, the shades of lau hala, and the meticulous details within the weaving process.  The exhibit showcases the talents of seven separate artists from two separate ulana (weaving) groups, Hui ʻAla Hīnano and Waianuhea o ka Pua Hala, both under the direction of Kumu Kāʻeo Izon.   Kāʻeo Izon is from Āliapaʻakai, Oʻahu and is a Kumu ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi teaching in the style of Kealaleo. Kāʻeo began weaving in 2009 with Kumu Ipolani Vaughan (also his Kumu ʻŌlelo), learning how to weave piko and covers. In 2011, Kāʻeo began weaving moena poepoe and pāpale with Kumu Evva Lim. He later learned different styles and techniques from Kumu Suzi Swartman of Oʻahu and Kumu Margaret Lovett of Kauaʻi. Kāʻeo has established an all male group of weavers, Ka Hui ʻAla Hīnano on Oʻahu and an all female group, Waianuhea o ka Pua Hala where both language and weaving are perpetuated.

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore “Nā Kama a Ohiohikupua Lāua ʻo Lauhuki.”  Visit the Volcano Art Center between April 12th – May 11th, 2025  and journey through varied techniques and intricate patterns while honoring the profound cultural significance of these traditions being practiced in our culture today. For more information call VAC Gallery at (808) 967-7565.

Please note that parking at the Kīlauea Visitors Center lot is very limited due to ongoing construction within Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.  Please consider carpooling, arriving early, and/or park at the Kūkamāhuākea (Steam Vents) parking lot and be prepared to walk to VAC gallery.  We greatly appreciate your support during this time.