Join us for our first Talk Story event - a virtual gathering on the last Monday of every month to catch up with one another, explore an interesting topic, and learn more about what makes our organization special and unique.

Date: Monday, April 26, 2021
Time: 11:45am - 1:00pm HST
Where: Zoom

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86546449178?pwd=T2w5dWpucWJYR1VoS0p2Snp0T3M3QT09
Meeting ID: 865 4644 9178
Passcode: 1903

An Exploration of Lei-Making

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaiʻi and in honor of the upcoming holiday, we are going to take a deep dive into everything about lei! Our panel of special guest speakers will share everything from the history of lei-making and it's cultural significance to the importance of traditional methods and the latest, most creative trends.

Meet Our Featured Speakers!

Lauren Kanoelani Chang Williams: Former City & County of Honolulu Lei Queen, Kumu Hula Lauren Kanoelani Chang Williams is a member of the Music Faculty at Punahou School in Honolulu, where she teaches Hawaiian Music, Hula, ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Choir, and General Music. She completed Uniki ceremonies under Leimomi I Maldonado as well as Kimo Alama Keaulana and has led her own hula school, Hālau Nā Pua Hala Kūnou i ke Kai, for the past 11 years.

Lale Kam:  Aunty Lale is a longtime Daughter of Hawaiʻi revered for her talent as a Hawaiian musician, dancer, and kumu and beloved for her generous aloha spirit. She has made lei for all occasions throughout her life and enjoys sharing her manaʻo on this craft.

Nia: Born on Oʻahu and raised on Hawaiʻi Island, Nia is the owner and artistic director of The Little Flower Shop specializing in floral creations made with care, love, and aloha. From whimsical to glamorous, from classical to modern, Nia brings a sense of wonder and authenticity to everything she creates.