Learn to make lei wili

We are pleased to welcome Tevi Tolentino to the market on January 4 from 4 – 6 p.m. to demonstrate the art of lei wili (a style of lei making). Here's a bit about Tevi and how lei making has changed his life:


"At a young age I remember my tutu calling my sister and I to sit at the table with all the aunties to wili (a style of lei making), and she wouldn't let us leave the table until we finished.  Thats pretty much how it all began, but back then I didn't I realize it would be such a important part of my life on so many levels.   Although  I was exposed at a young age to lei making, I really didn't become immersed in the art until I started to dance hula, and it was that point that I had learned many things about my culture, and myself as a Hawaiian. I got to learn more as I mingled along side to the likings of Ainsley Halemanu, Randy Akau, Kamuela Kepo'o, Gina Gingao, Bill Char, and many more. Today, I work with many hula halau, pa'u units, florists, and private events as well.  I can remember my tutu telling me that making a lei is an extension of yourself, so the importance of being in a pono (of good or correct) state of mind was essential because the recipient could feel if it came from the heart or not - I could also remember that being so deep for me to understand at the age. Finally, I can say that its therapuetic value has been a source great healing, and I would recommend everyone to learn just for that reason alone."

This event is FREE and FAMILY-friendly, thanks to funding support from the Hawai'i Tourism Authority (administered by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.

Decorating with nature's beauties

We brought our popular "making natural holiday decorations" workshop to Makeke Kapolei on Thursday, December 13. Crafter and educator extraordinaire, Malia Lagaso, taught students and shoppers how to make simple to elegant decorations made out of things right from nature. Everyone got to make something special and take what they learned to inspire others. By using nature's materials, we can reduce waste and recycle materials that are safe for the environment.

Mahalo nui loa to Malia, the Hawaiian Electric Company, and the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center for making this program possible.

What can you do with cordage?

We had a great time with Mahi La Pierre, a Hawaiian cultural practitioner who makes tools and other implements. Many of the tools made use of cordage made in a variety of ways. Mahi taught many students who visited our booth from a Wai'anae after school program, as well as curious shoppers.

Mahalo nui loa to Mahi, the Hawai'i Tourism Authority, the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and Queen Lili'uokalani Childrens Center for assisting with this program made available free of charge.

Meet farmer Alice

Makeke Kapolei is happy to welcome Alice to our market. She brings farm-fresh produce that she grows herself at her farm in Wai'anae. And she follows organic principles, which makes so many people (and her plants) so happy!  Isn't her booth beautiful?  Please stop by and give her produce a try!

Make Natural Holiday Decorations at the Makeke

It's that time of the year when we get extra festive and sometimes extra wasteful. How about having nature provide all the materials you need for your holiday decorations and wrapping?

Come to Makeke Kapolei on Thursday, December 13, 4-6 pm for a special activity led by educator Malia Lagaso. She and her family have made it a tradition to make natural decorations out of nature's wonders.

This free hands-on presentation is made possible by donations from the Hawaiian Electric Company and the Queen Lili'uokalani Children's Center.