Join us for a hands-on, cultural lei-making class with contemporary master lei-maker, Nia Power on the beautiful grounds of historic Huliheʻe Palace. Nia will demonstrate and teach how to make a maile-style lei using leaves from the ti plant.

Maile, alyxia stellata, is indigenous to Hawaiʻi and is known for its fragrant leaves with sweet undernotes resembling vanilla, honey and anise. A traditional lei plant, maile vines and leaves are gathered and wound to create the highly prized lei, gifted during special occasions and mostly worn open and draped. In ancient Hawaiʻi, maile was used not only for lei, but also for bird catching, clothing, games, sports, medicine and religion. Native birds such as the native thrush ʻōmaʻo eat the fruits, assisting in spreading maile throughout the native forests once present on all islands. Today, the wild populations are dwindling and lei using foliage from other plants such as ti, are now used and fashioned in a maile-style.

This one-hour program is co-sponsored by the Daughters of Hawaiʻi and Huliheʻe Palace, and is open to anyone interested in learning how to make a lei or elevate your lei-making to the next level. First-timers and those with no lei experience are encouraged to attend, while those with experience are always welcomed. Lei supplies and materials are included in the cost for the class and all participants will create their own lei to wear and take home. A self-tour the Palace Museum, is included following the class. Recommend for ages 7 years old and up.

Seating: This class will take place with participants seated on lauhala mats on the grounds of Huliheʻe. All are welcomed to bring cushions or pillows to make themselves comfortable. Those with difficulty sitting on the ground for long periods of time or those who may have difficulty stooping down or standing up, are welcomed to bring a chair or contact us for arrangements.

Social Distancing: Participants are required to wear a face mask covering their nose and mouth at all times. A distance of six feet must be maintained at all times between separate households. Only the instructor may move between households. Temperature checks are required at check-in with completion of a COVID-19 health form.