The Hawaiian Islands have a distinguished culture with numerous traditions and beliefs. Many of the traditions and beliefs can be seen in the Hawaiian crafts, which can be purchased as souvenirs and as a way to remember the rich culture of Hawaii.
Koa Wood Items
Koa is the largest endemic tree growing in Hawaii. Koa trees can grow to be more than 100 feet high, and their trunk diameter can be more than 5 feet. The color of koa wood varies from chocolate brown to deep red and different shades of brown. The Koa tree is listed as an endangered species because it provides habitat for many endangered native Hawaiian species. Because of this many artists use standing deadfalls to create their crafts. Historically, koa wood was used to build spears and paddles and for ocean canoes made from a single trunk. Today koa wood is the most valued cabinet and furniture wood in Hawaii. In addition, koa wood is used to make guitars, ukuleles, jewelry, pens, bowls and other kitchen items. Many koa wood crafts sold in Hawaii are actually made in the Philippines, so be sure to check the origin of your koa wood craft before purchasing it.
Kukui Nut Leis
Hawaiians used kukui nuts as candles in their homes. In addition, the oil from the kukui nut has been the natural way Hawaiians protected and healed their skins against the sun, winds and saltwater for centuries. Hawaiian royalty wore kukui nuts, also known as jewel nuts, as leis to mark rank. Therefore, today kukui nut leis are a sign of great importance. Today, kukui nut leis are worn in special occasions and given as gifts in weddings and graduations. Each kukui nut in the lei is polished and sanded and often also hand-painted. A kukui nut lei is a one-of-a-kind gift because no two kukui nuts are alike in color, size and luster. In addition to kukui nuts, many kukui nut leis have shells, seeds and carved beads to make the lei truly a unique piece.
Hawaiian Quilts
Quilting arrived to Hawaii with the missionaries in 1820. The westernization of the Hawaiian Island made cotton fabric available, which made it possible for Hawaiians to start create quilts from cotton cloth instead of kapa, a cloth made from the inner bark of native trees. The traditional Hawaiian appliquéd quilting style usually has a single design, similar to a paper snowflake, with symmetrically from the center and covering the entire quilt. In addition, traditional Hawaiian quilts are usually made with two solid colors, one color being the background and one the appliquéd design. Today many Hawaiian quilts have more than two colors, and appliqué designs include many nature-inspired curved lines and images. In addition, Hawaiian quilting is used to make pillowcases, tablecloths, kitchen mitts and many other household cloth items.
Tags: kukui nuts, kukui leis, more than, made from, more than feet, than feet, traditional Hawaiian