Niʻihau Shell Earring Workshop

INFORMATION

SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026 

PAʻI ARTS & CULTURAL CENTER @ KAPĀLAMA

WORKSHOP #1 (PEARL): 1:30PM - 4:30PM

WORKSHOP #2 (HELICONIA): 5PM - 8PM

IN-PERSON ONLY

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP

Join us for two different styled hands-on pūpū Niʻihau workshops led by renowned cultural practitioner and master lei maker, Kuana Torres Kahele. In these workshops, participants will gain foundational skills in stringing and caring for these treasured shells. Guided by Kuana’s ʻike, moʻolelo, and aloha, this experience honors the artistry, patience, and ʻike kupuna behind one of Hawaiʻi’s most revered adornments. Perfect for beginners and those wishing to deepen their connection to Hawaiian cultural practices.

See the photos attached for the different style of earrings, Pearl & Heliconia. Please be sure to select the correct session you would like to attend.

ABOUT KUANA

Kuana Torres Kahele is a renowned Hawaiian musician, vocalist, composer, dancer, and educator from Hilo, known for blending traditional Hawaiian music with modern sounds, performing in Hawaiian, and starring as the voice of Uku in Disney Pixar's Lava. Co-founding Nā Palapalai, he gained fame before launching a successful solo career, creating albums like his acclaimed "Music for the Hawaiian Islands" series and teaching Hawaiian culture worldwide. 

Outside of Hawaiian music, Kuana also teaches hula and lei making. Kuana has hālau on Oʻahu, and in Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka). With lei making, Kuana makes all styles of lei, from fresh flowers to pūpū Niʻihau (Niʻihau shells). Kuana teaches lei wili, lei haku, lei pūpū, lei kui, and lei hīpuʻu to workshop attendees.