Lau Hala Weavers Maintain a Hawaiian Tradition
Nā Lālā o ka Pūhala offers weekly classes on how to weave leaves from the native hala tree.
Stacie Segovia’s kumu hula recommended that she learn lau hala weaving because she’s good with her hands. “I just fell in love with it,” says Segovia, shown standing.
Now, she leads Nā Lālā o ka Pūhala, a community organization that offers weekly classes on how to weave leaves from the native hala tree.
Segovia says attendees start by making bracelets, and eventually can make mats, bottle covers and pāpale – a domed or flat top hat.
The leaves come from hala trees across O‘ahu, Segovia says, including Pouhala Marsh in Waipahu.
The lau hala weaving tradition was passed down to Segovia by master weavers Gwen Kamisugi and Pōhaku Kaho‘ohanohano. Segovia says older generations are honored when their teachings are learned by younger people.
When students make their first hats, it’s the best feeling, she says, both for her and her students. “They will actually be in tears.”
Introductory classes are held every Wednesday at Nā Kūpuna Makamae Center on Ala Moana, near Keawe Street.
