• OPEN HOUSE

  • ʻIKE HAWAIʻI

  • MĀLAMA ʻĀINA

  • Punana Leo o Lahaina visits Paeloko

    Huakaʻi Kula

    Educational field trips and professional development available in a versatile outdoor space.

  • ʻIke Hawaiʻi

    Hands-on programming includes kapa making, kālai pahu, and kaula creation.

  • Mālama ʻĀina

    Environmental stewardship opportunities focus on growing native plants of Hawaiʻi.

Kūkū Kapa

 
 

Lori Lei Ishikawa - Kapa Maker

 
 
 
 

Dr. Lei Ishikawa just received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Indigenous Studies from Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi in Whakatāne, Aotearoa - the only educational institution offering Doctorates in indigenous studies. She also received the special award: Te Iwi Taketake Award for Outstanding Indigenous Research.

Lei, who has been making kapa for many years, researched the reclaiming of cultural identity and mauli ola (well-being) through kapa making.

She currently teaches kapa making at Paeloko and is a valuable asset to the Maui community of fiber artists.