Fiber Fridays with Pua Kaiāulu 2026
Connecting ʻŌpio To ʻIke Kūpuna Through Hana Noʻeau
Written by: Uʻi Arquette
Every Friday throughout the Pua Kaiāulu 2026 internship, our haumāna gathered to slow down, work with their hands, and immerse themselves in the rich traditions of hana noʻeau. Known as Fiber Fridays, these weekly sessions became a special time to learn from respected cultural practitioners, connect with one another, and deepen their understanding of the ʻike and values passed down by our kūpuna.
In partnership with Kaʻala Farm, interns explored three cherished hana noʻeau practices: ulana lauhala, lei making, and block printing. Each Friday featured a different art form, allowing every haumāna to experience all three throughout the internship. More than learning a new skill, these gatherings created space for stories, laughter, and meaningful conversations that strengthened both cultural knowledge and community.
Haumāna were honored to learn ulana lauhala from master weaver Kumu Cheryl Pukahi, whose patience and generosity brought each lesson to life. As they prepared and wove each lauhala strand, interns discovered that weaving is about much more than creating a finished piece. It is a practice that teaches perseverance, mindfulness, and the importance of honoring the ʻike entrusted to us by those who came before.
The art of lei making was shared by Kumu Kilika and Kumu Uʻi, who reminded interns that every lei tells a story. Through gathering, preparing, and carefully crafting natural materials into lei, haumāna experienced the values of aloha, gratitude, and intention. Each lei became an expression of love, respect, and appreciation for the people, places, and relationships that enrich our lives.
This year's program also welcomed special guest kumu, Nalei Fujitani of Waiʻanae, who introduced interns to the art of block printing. By incorporating Hawaiian-inspired designs and cultural symbolism into each print, Kumu Nalei encouraged haumāna to express their own creativity while celebrating the stories and traditions of their community.
Although each Friday focused on a different hana noʻeau, the greatest lessons could not be measured by the projects completed. Through listening, observing, asking questions, and learning alongside their kumu, interns experienced firsthand how cultural knowledge is shared through relationships. These moments reminded everyone that ʻike is not simply taught, it is gifted, nurtured, and carried forward with care.
Learning these hana noʻeau practices helps connect our ʻōpio with ʻike kupuna that fosters a strong sense of identity, belonging, resilience, and kuleana. As our youth build these skills, they also strengthen their relationship with their culture, their ancestors, one another, and the ʻāina. In doing so, they become the next generation of cultural practitioners and stewards who will continue these traditions with pride and purpose.
Fiber Fridays became much more than a weekly activity, they became a time to reconnect with culture, community, and self. The lessons shared by Kumu Cheryl, Kumu Kilika, Kumu Uʻi, and Kumu Nalei will continue to live on through the hands and hearts of each intern. As Pua Kaiāulu 2026 comes to a close, our haumāna leave with more than new skills; they carry forward the ʻike, values, and relationships that will continue to guide them for years to come.
