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.
