Kōkō Workshop

INFORMATION

4-WEEK LONG WORKSHOPS ON FRIDAYs

CLASS DATES: OCTOBER 3, 10, 17 & 24, 2025  |   5:30PM - 8PM

PAʻI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER @ KAKAʻAKO

IN PERSON PARTICIPATION ONLY

ABOUT PAPA

This 4-week workshop will teach the steps necessary to complete a kōkō pu‘upu‘u (Hawaiian chiefly net carriers) using cotton twine. This style of kōkō was practical for holding irregularly shaped objects—like gourds, ʻumeke (calabash bowls), or bundles of food—because the open, knotted weave could expand and contract. It was also worn slung over the shoulder or across the back, functioning like a backpack or carrying pouch.

The class fees include the following supplies needed for the workshop fee include, one wooden ‘ūmeke, one 1lbs. ball of cotton twine, one wooden spacer, and one pair of scissors.

ABOUT THE KUMU

Marques Hanalei Marzan is a Native Hawaiian visual artist and culture bearer with specialization in materials and techniques associated with the fiber arts of Hawai‘i and the Pacific. He has trained under many noted kūpuna, both animate and inanimate, and is committed to sharing their legacies with those who are willing to carry the responsibility of caring for this knowledge and teaching others. Kōkō pu‘upu‘u, Hawaiian chiefly net carriers, has intrigued him for years and has inspired him to find ways to bring relevant of this practice in our community today and inspire others to innovate with the creativity of the kūpuna.

Read more about Marquesʻ and his art HERE.