KBH Hosts 2nd Annual Kauluhiwaolele Maui Fiber Arts Conference

Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel hosts the second annual Kauluhiwaolele Maui Fiber Arts Conference, Sept. 4 to 7, 2019 and expanded programming surrounding the four-day cultural event.

During the conference, 150 students will learn traditional Hawaiian weaving techniques and styles including hala, ʻieʻie, kōkō puʻupuʻu and ‘upena from 20 master practitioner kumu of these honored ancient art forms.

This year’s Conference theme, “Hiliapa‘a” relates to the work and effort put forth by the students in weaving that will develop a firm knowledge of the craft.

In addition to the expanded weaving styles, the 2019 conference, formerly known as Ola i ka Pū Hala, features a new scholarship opportunity which offers a local student from either Maui, Lānaʻi, or Molokaʻi the chance to work alongside master practitioners. This is also the first year of the program where attendees can sponsor younger students to attend and participate.

Kauluhiwaolele is led by: master weaver Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano; ʻĀlika Guerrero, Director of ʻImipoʻokela; and Gayle Miyaguchi, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel’s Hawaiian Cultural Specialist.

The conference serves the community by supporting the hotel’s dedication to perpetuating authentic Hawaiian traditions.

“At Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel, we recognize the importance of preserving Hawaiian culture for the next generation through ancient and sacred traditions, such as weaving,” said general manager Mike White. “For this reason, we felt it imperative to expand our offerings at the second weaving conference and make it as accessible as possible to younger generations through the new scholarships and sponsorship programs. These, along with the new sustainability education opportunities, will help to ensure that the nobility of this craft is kept intact.”

The practice of gathering and weaving these fine fibers together has had a strong resurgence in Lāhainā.

The word Kauluhiwaolele references the revered groves on the islands, from which materials are gathered to weave pieces of magnificent artistry.

Due to the ever-growing interest, the conference is expanding its offerings with workshops, craft fairs in the lobby, new styles of weaving and daily presentations by kumu on topics such as ‘ōlelo (language), lawena (behaviors), spirituality and traditional knowledge as it relates to fiber arts into the below schedule of events:

Tuesday, Sept. 3:

Huaka’i: Prior to the conference, attendees are invited to outplant weaving materials such as pū hala, ʻieʻie, makaloa, and ʻolonā to help restore native forests in partnership with local conservation organizations. (limited to the first 30 registrants)

Wednesday, Sept. 4 to Saturday, Sept. 7:

The conference will consist of four days of intense instruction of these weaving crafts by 20 kumu (master practitioners) from throughout Hawaiʻi

• Pū hala (pandanus tree) is celebrated as an important part of every Hawaiian family in woven mats, pillows, baskets, and within the sails that brought Hawaiians on canoes across the Pacific
• ʻIeʻie is an endemic woody, branching climber (Freycinetia arborea) which is made into the finest baskets, fish traps, and as a sturdy framework for other crafts
• Kōkō is the practice of knotting sennit to create nets and calabash net-carriers
• ‘Upena is the net structure to which ti leaves or feathers are attached

Friday, Sept. 6 to Saturday, Sept. 7:

Kauluhiwaolele Festival (Open to the Public):

• Weaving workshops, including bracelets, coconut frond weaving, cordage making, coconut sennit earrings, kapa making, ‘ie’ie, and feather working will be hosted by kumu in the lobby for a nominal fee
• Students are asked to share and present their creations at the craft fair, also located in the lobby
• Saturday night will be the culmination of the conference with the Celebration of Kauluhiwaolele Fiber Arts where local favorites will be served for dinner and live Hawaiian entertainment will be in full swing. Additionally, there will be a silent auction where proceeds will go to future kumus as well as scholarship opportunities for future conferences. Tickets to the dinner can be purchased online.

“As we approach the second year of the Fiber Arts Weaving Conference, I’m thrilled that we have expanded to focus on all plants and fibers with such an esteemed level of participating kumu,” said Gayle Miyaguchi, Conference Coordinator. “Kauluhiwaolele Fiber Arts Conference celebrates the multiple ways that we can utilize native Hawaiian plant materials to create beautiful and practical pieces of traditional crafts which have been passed down for generations, further keeping this renowned skill intact.”

For more information or to register, please visit www.kauluhiwaolele.com or kbhmaui.com. Registration deadline is July 31, 2019 at the rate of $289 (including four-day workshop, lunch each day, and dinner event – Celebration of Fiber Arts on Saturday). Daily lunch is included for all conference registrants. Registration after July 31 will be based on availability, at an increased rate of $389. Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel will be offering a special room rate of $159/night + tax to event participants which expires on Aug. 21, 2019.

Master weaver, Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano and Gayle Miyaguchi, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel’s Hawaiian Cultural Specialist. PC: © Aubrey Hord / via Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel

Master weaver, Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano. PC: © Aubrey Hord / via Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel

PC: © Aubrey Hord / via Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel

PC: © Aubrey Hord / via Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel

Master weaver, Pōhaku Kahoʻohanohano. PC: © Aubrey Hord / via Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel

Gayle Miyaguchi, Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel’s Hawaiian Cultural Specialist. PC: © Aubrey Hord / via Kāʻanapali Beach Hotel