Had the opportunity to visit the Schaefer International Gallery at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center last weekend and was blown away by the gorgeous lauhala exhibit – Ho Mai Ka Hala, Bring Forth The Hala.

The ancient form of weaving entails picking, drying and cleaning the leaves from the Hala tree (Pandanus).  Leaves are then cut into strips of various widths depending on the task at hand.  The weaving process can take hours or weeks depending on how elaborate the project.

Strips of other material are sometimes interwoven to create different textures and colors.

This practice was used for creating mats, roof thatching, hats and baskets.  The display showcases ancient and modern day uses.

You can feel the mana (power) and the aloha (love) that went into each and every piece translated through intricately woven shapes and patterns.

SCHAEFER INTERNATIONAL GALLERY

MAUI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER

1 Cameron Way, Kahului, HI 96732

October 18 – December 20, 2015

Open Tuesday – Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm